No outdoor area should be without a garden but giving plants the care they need takes a lot of time and effort. If your outdoor area needs foliage then read on – this is our top five list of low maintenance plants for your outdoor area...
1. Lavender
Lavender comes from a Mediterranean background so grows well in dry, sunny and rocky habitats. Adelaide's dry weather favours the conditions the plant thrives in. Lavender is extremely drought resistant, but during the planting phase requires moist soil or compost. Dampness and humidity are common causes for killing lavender. After flowering you should cut back about two thirds of the flower leaving only a small amount of foliage. Bear in mind that there are different types of lavender. You’ll need to choose the best option for your soil type.
2. Golden Barrel Cactus
These plants require almost no care at all. They originate from Central Mexico so are used to dry and hot conditions. If your balcony doesn’t receive much natural light this plant is perfect for you. The cactus can survive for up to six months with no water or care during the growing phase. It’s best to plant these in pots rather than the ground. Cacti aren’t for everyone though, so if you’re looking for a prettier option the Christmas Cactus is also an easy plant to grow and look after.
3. Santa Barbara Daisy
This delicate plant comes in white, pink and lavender and also survives well in hot and dry weather. They bloom frequently and seed themselves. The only downside to the daisy is that it can spread quickly. Depending on where you plant it that may not be a bad thing. The Santa Barbara Daisy grows well alongside a deck or paved path.
4. Berkeley Sedge
This adaptable grass can grow in sun or shade and looks great lined along paths, flowerbeds or decks. It has a lush foliage effect and can withstand a lot of foot traffic and mowing.
5. Herbs
Every garden should have one of these! Growing your own herbs is easy, cost effective and let's face it - very impressive! We've chosen Basil as our herb of choice for this post. It grows best in moist soil. If you live in a dry area try using mulch to keep the soil moist. Cut off any flowers that you see on the plant. You might want to move your basil indoors over Winter as it doesn't grow well in cold weather. For more information on growing Basil you can check out this article.
Do you know of any low maintenance plants? Leave a comment with your own tips or suggestions!
