When you’ve put all your time, energy and money into getting your small block functioning and looking the way you want, there may not be much of anything left for the house garden.

For landscaping success plan ahead.

Especially if like many lifestyle block owners you also have a conventional job in town during the week.

Either you just don’t have the time to get the landscaping started or you don’t have time to devote to the maintenance and upkeep that is required to keep it looking great.   It never fails, something always comes up or you are just too exhausted to even think about it much less do it.

But there are things that can be done to keep your landscaped yard up to the desired look without too much hard work entailed.

To begin with, consider flowering shrubs or coniferous shrubs – but get advice on which ones are poisonous, especially if they are going to be near stock. 

With a wide variety to choose from shrubs are a great way to fill your garden – and they don’t require too much maintenance.

If you have your heart set on flowerbeds,   choose ground cover plants to cut down on weed development, and thus weeding.  Alternatively look at wood chips, bark, or coloured gravel.

Ornamental grasses are also a great low maintenance addition to your landscaping. 

Herbs can be a good option too as they will spread, are usually easily maintained – and you can add them to dinner.  Check with your local gardening centre for the best for your situation.

Perennials are the way to go if you really want to have a lot of flowers – freeing up your time to concentrate on a few plants that might require more regular attention like Roses.

It is vital you take your water system into consideration when you plan your garden, so if you’re new to the area and unsure – check with your local council.  If you are on tank water and you regularly suffer from shortages in summer, thirsty plants are not going to be your best option.