Ever felt like your garden is more high-maintenance than your actual relationship? Between the weeding, pruning, mowing and general upkeep, keeping your outdoor space in check can feel like a full-time job. The good news is, it doesn't have to be that way.

There are plenty of low-maintenance landscaping options that won't break the bank or your back.

Here are three tips that do most of the heavy lifting: native plants, mulch and a DIY drip system. They'll cut the time and money you spend keeping the garden looking good, so you get more time to actually enjoy it.

Go Native: Use Low-Maintenance Native Plants

Going native with your landscaping is one of the easiest ways to save time and money. Native plants are naturally suited to your area's climate and soil, so they require minimal maintenance once established.

Choose species indigenous to your location for the best results. Do some research on plants native to your region and pick ones that match your desired look. Here are some examples of great natives for Australian backyards

  1. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.): Kangaroo Paws are iconic Australian natives known for their striking, tubular flowers. They come in various colours and are drought-tolerant once established.
  2. Grevillea: Grevilleas are versatile shrubs with unique flowers and foliage. They are excellent for attracting birds to your garden and thrive in a range of climates.
  3. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.): These plants are famous for their bottlebrush-shaped flowers, which are a magnet for nectar-feeding birds. They require minimal pruning and can handle dry conditions.
  4. Lomandra Grass (Lomandra spp.): Lomandra is a tough and drought-resistant grass-like plant that adds texture to your landscape. It's virtually maintenance-free once established.
  5. Dianella (Dianella spp.): Dianella, also known as flax lilies, offers striking blue-green foliage and small blue to purple berries. They are very hardy and need little attention.
  6. Eucalyptus Trees: While some eucalyptus species get very large, many dwarf varieties suit smaller gardens and give good shade. Keep larger gums well clear of the house, sewer and stormwater lines, as roots and dropped limbs can cause expensive damage. Ask your nursery for the mature height and spread.
  7. Westringia: This hardy shrub features small, white, star-shaped flowers and grey-green foliage. It's well-suited for coastal areas and requires minimal pruning.
  8. Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra): If you prefer native grasses, Kangaroo Grass is an excellent choice. It's drought-tolerant, forms upright clumps up to about a metre tall, and gives a natural meadow look.
  9. Banksia: Banksias come in various sizes and shapes, making them adaptable to different garden styles. Their unique flower cones are a standout feature.
  10. Native Violet (Viola hederacea): If you want ground cover, Native Violet is a great option. It forms a lush carpet of green with delicate purple or white flowers.

Native plants also support local wildlife like birds, butterflies and bees. By providing food and habitat for these important pollinators, you're helping your local ecosystem.

Another perk of native plants is that they tend to be drought-tolerant, since they've adapted to your region's rainfall. Less watering means lower water bills and less time spent in the yard.

When planning your garden, group plants with similar light and water needs together for easier care. And be sure to leave adequate space between plants as they mature.

An added benefit of native plants is that they often require little to no fertiliser. Because they're well-suited to your area, they can usually get all the nutrients they need from your soil.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: Mulch Beds to Reduce Weeds

Mulching your beds is one of the best ways to keep weeds at bay and reduce your yard work. Mulch acts as a weed barrier, keeping sunlight from reaching the soil and preventing new weeds from sprouting. It also helps the soil retain moisture, so you don’t have to water as often.

For the best results, apply 90 mm to 100 mm of mulch around plants and in empty areas of your yard. Organic mulches like wood chips, bark and pine needles work well and enrich your soil as they break down. You can often get free mulch from your council or a local tree lopper. If you prefer, inorganic mulches like gravel or rocks also do the trick and last longer.

A Note on Lawns

Less lawn means less mowing, so keep it to the areas you actually use. If you do keep some lawn, a warm-season grass suited to Queensland (couch, buffalo or zoysia) is the low-maintenance choice. Feed it in early spring as it starts growing again, and again in late summer or early autumn. Skip winter feeding, as the grass is mostly dormant. Aerating compacted areas once a year helps water and nutrients reach the roots.

Choose a balanced, slow-release fertiliser and follow the directions on how much and how often to apply.

Drip Irrigation: Save Water With a DIY Drip System

A drip irrigation system is an easy DIY project that can save you time, money and lots of water in your garden. Rather than spraying large areas, drip irrigation delivers water slowly at the root zone of plants.

Materials

To set up a basic drip system, you'll need:

  • Drip irrigation tubing or tape
  • Emitters or drippers to control water flow
  • Connectors to join tubing together
  • An adjustable timer to control the water schedule
  • A filter and pressure regulator

Installation

Lay out your tubing along the base of plants and secure in place with stakes. Attach emitters every 150-300mm for most plants. Join sections of tubing using the connectors.

Connect your tubing to a garden tap using the filter and pressure regulator. The filter removes debris, and the regulator drops the water pressure to suit your drip system.

Program your timer to water plants for 15 to 30 minutes, a few times a week. The key is to water less often but deeply. Adjust emitters and timers to suit your climate and plants.

Benefits

Drip irrigation has many benefits for your garden:

  • Targeted watering. Drip systems deliver water precisely where it's needed at plant roots. No water is wasted.
  • Healthier plants. With the right amount of water and nutrients, your plants will thrive.
  • Fewer weeds. Since you're only watering specific plants, fewer weeds will sprout up.
  • Less disease. Drip irrigation reduces excess moisture on leaves that can lead to fungal diseases.
  • Lower water bills. Using a drip system can save 30-70% of water usage compared to sprinklers.

The Bottom Line

Start with natives, mulch and a drip system and you'll cut most of the weekend chores. If you've just moved into a new home, our C18 6 Month Maintenance checklist covers the rest of the house too.