We like to pack our garden with as many trees, shrubs and plants as possible, but many people prefer a low maintenance garden whilst still wanting plenty of greenery and foliage. Luckily there are literally millions of varieties of plants and we’ve hand picked some of our favourites so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your garden with virtually no maintenance at all.
If your problem however isn’t knowing which greenery to choose, but instead what to remove then contact one of our tree surgeons in Stockport today to discuss your options.
Before we get started here’s one of our *top tips*: anything planted in the ground will require less watering since the soil retains moisture. Anything in pots will need more care so keep an eye on the soil to ensure it doesn’t get too dry.
Fatsia Japonica
Fatsia Japonicas are one of our absolute favourites, as they’re tropical looking, last all year round, won’t shed their leaves and grow relatively fast. The only thing you need to keep an eye on are slugs and other insects making lunch out of your leaves, but other than that you can plant them and leave them be.
Leylandii
If you’re wanting greenery to create privacy then Leylandii are your best best as they’re the fastest growing shrub you can find in the U.K. Like the Fatsia Japonica they last all year round and since they’re a type of conifer you won’t lose any leaves from this one either.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an absolute must if you’re wanting a fast growing tropical looking plant with plenty of leaves. Since they grow so fast they do require slightly more maintenance than other plants, but still minimal, just trimming them back so they don’t get too tall. Try not to plant bamboo too close to the house, or around lots of other plants as they do like to take over. Their roots also grow sideways as well as downwards, which can in extreme cases lead to structural damage if they aren’t controlled. If in doubt, plant them in a pot.
Ornamental Grasses
There are so many typos of ornamental grasses that you can create plenty of colour in your garden without having to plant any annual flowers. Bugs typical leave them alone, most varieties won’t shed any leaves and they last all year round – what’s not to love? Keep your eye on Pampas Grass and Maidengrass though as they can be rather invasive.
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are mostly evergreen (ie. they won’t lose their leaves in the winter) however some species will, so if you’re wanting to avoid clearing any fallen leaves you’ll need to do a bit more research in to the ones to get. Their deep green leathery like leaves alone are aesthetically pleasing, but when they flower they produce the most spectacular array of colours.
Lavender
Although lavender isn’t a type of grass it blends in well with ornamental grasses, so if you’re wanting a low maintenance but striking path or border with plenty of colour, plant it amongst your grasses. Lavender grows very well so of course it can also be planted alone and provides so many benefits, from its deep purple flowers to it’s fragrant, relaxing smells. It will die back in the winter, but don’t worry as it will pop up again the following spring.
If we’ve inspired you to step up your plant game, we’ll be posting more tips in the coming months on how to create a variety of gardens, so make sure you come back soon!
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