121 Garden design A


s a designer I have lost count of the number of people asking me for a ‘Low Maintenance Garden’. In contrast, I’ve yet to have a potential client


specifying a high maintenance one.


HOW LOW IS LOW? Low maintenance to one person may be hours of toil to another. But believe me, the truly low maintenance garden doesn’t exist – unless you aspire to a tarmac plot. Gardening should be a pleasure, not a penance. So if the Low(ish) Maintenance Garden is for you, here’s some ideas to minimise effort and maximise enjoyment. LAWNS Don’t believe the grandiose claims of lawn care products. A perfect bowling green finish is extremely difficult to achieve, expensive and hard to maintain. Relax and let it become a mown meadow instead. Only mow the areas you use often – you’d be surprised how small an area gets regular use. Allow other parts to grow long and perhaps mow paths through. You will create a pleasing effect and be the destination of choice for bees and butterflies. Permanent edging to reduce lawn creep is also worth considering.


Tough perennials and ornamental grasses


by Colette Charsley Low Maintenance Gardens – hit or myth? Treasures in unmown grass


PLANTING After the lawn, the biggest potential drain on your time, energy and wallet. Don’t fight nature by using plants that don’t like the soil or conditions in your garden. You’ll be fighting a losing battle. Equally, plants that spread too vigorously will require constant pruning and cutting back. Mulch thickly and plant densely to smother weeds. Use tough, hardy perennials and shrubs that do not need fussing over. Ornamental grasses are perfect. Weed little and often with a hoe. Perennial bulbs are an excellent investment (but remember to look out for them on the rare occasions you do pick up a spade or fork).


CONTAINERS Containers tend to breed. It’s easy to keep coming back from the garden centre with just one more. Remember you’ll be watering them daily in the summer. Much better a few statement pieces than a plethora of small, thirsty ones. PONDS Great for wildlife and lovely to look at. No fish, no pumps and let them find their own natural balance.


Overall, keep it simple. Use generous curves or straight lines. The more fiddly the layout, the more time you’ll need to maintain the effect. Having a good sense of proportion is important. If you haven’t got one, contact me, because I have!


colette@charsleydesign.com www.charsleydesign.com t: 01803 722449 m: 07774 827799 Follow me on Twitter @ColetteCharsley


Professional Landscape and Garden Design


Creative and beautiful designs for village, town and country gardens


Colette Charsley PG Dip OCGD 01803 722449 07774 827799


colette@charsleydesign.com www.charsleydesign.com


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