Who wants a low-maintenance garden? Everybody wants one. What comes to my mind when I hear my clients specify a low-maintenance garden is a yard covered with river rocks.

Nothing else except river rocks: no lawn, certainly no plants, no deck or no patio. Whoever made up the term low-maintenance garden was not really a gardener. Cedar decks require paint or stain, perennials need water and dividing every few years, shrubs need pruning and walkways require shoveling. I have yet to find a low-maintenance garden unless you have a full-time gardener, an irrigation system and a snow shoveling company.

Lower maintenance ideas

I have given some thought as to how we can improve our gardens to create less work for ourselves and spend more time relaxing in the garden.

Hopefully these suggestions will be helpful for you.

If you plan to build an interlocking patio, sweep polymeric sand in between the joints of the pavers to reduce weed growth. It is more expensive than the typical brick sand, but worth the money if you wish to spend more time relaxing on the patio rather than pulling out weeds.

Trex or Eon decking has become the homeowners answer to a deck without maintenance.

This type of decking is a durable composite product made out of recycled wood and plastic. No stain, sanding or painting required. Water or sunlight does not cause this type of deck to fade or warp or rot. It is perfect for the homeowner with little time to perform yard work, however, it is expensive compared to the price of building a cedar deck.

Space to grow

When you start your initial planting, allow more space in between your plants than recommended on the labels. Don't worry, your plants will grow and fill in the gaps before you know it.

If you leave more space between the plants, your garden will not become overcrowded within one growing season.

All the plants that I know require some watering or maintenance routine except the plastic variety. As a landscape designer, I prefer the real kind of plant material. Besides, I like to get my hands dirty.

First-time gardeners: don't be discouraged by this article. Gardens require some work, but the benefits of a garden far outweigh the work involved without a doubt. To have a green space all your own is a privilege and a treat that you can enjoy and share with your family and friends.

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca.