It doesn't matter if your yard has been there for many years or you're just starting to move in; beautiful landscaping is something that should be high on your homeowner wishlist. Landscape design not only increases your home's worth but also makes your neighborhood look better. But maintaining a well-kept lawn takes time and effort. Here is the good news. With a thoughtful plan, you can still have an attractively landscaped yard, and it will take less time and effort to maintain.

Create a Plan

If you want to create beautiful landscapes that are easy to maintain, it is worth creating a plan. You will need to first sketch the area you want to be landscaped and then decide on the focal point. The perfect centerpiece to build around is a statue, sculptor, or even a waterfall. You could choose to use decorative bushes or trees as your focal point, or you could opt for a more traditional approach. Whatever your choice, you should consider whether the area receives full sun, partial, or full shade. This information will come in handy when selecting low-maintenance plants for landscaping. Your local landscaping professional can help you if there are any questions about the best plants, where to start, and what to do next. They will make the best recommendations based on your specific situation. They can also ensure that your landscaping is set up with the best irrigation system so that plants, shrubs, or trees, as well as flowers, stay healthy.

Enrich Your Soil

Good nutrition is crucial for young plants. You will see a better result for your plants if you add compost to the soil. You can increase soil tilth and help your plants absorb nutrients better. The best part is that you only need this step once per year. Simply add the mineral nutrients to the annual compost, and it will keep going for the whole year.

Keep It Simple

It is tempting to incorporate a large number of plants into your landscape design. But it is easier to select a few carefully chosen plants. If you want a yard that's beautiful and easy to maintain, it is advisable to choose between two and four of the following plants. These plants are very attractive and require little maintenance.

• Hydrangeas
• Dianthus
• Daylilies
• Coreopsis
• Blue Spirea
• Brilliant Sedum
• Black-eyed Susan
• Yarrow
• Liriope
• Boxwood Bushes

Mulch to Eliminate Weeding

A key step to reduce your landscaping time and effort is weed management. Mulch about 3- to 4-inch deep on all your beds will save you lots of time and effort in the long term. It will take some time and effort to cover all your beds with mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep, but later, you'll find that you don't need to pull weeds nearly as often. Organic mulch, such as leaves or wood chips, can be used to control weed growth and conserve soil moisture. This combined benefit will ensure that your landscaping is healthy and beautiful, as well as a tidy appearance for your gardens.