Low-Maintenance Landscaping for Lazy Summer Days

Summer is meant for relaxing—cold drinks on the patio, evenings by the fire pit, and enjoying your outdoor space without spending every weekend mowing, trimming, or pulling weeds. That’s where low-maintenance landscaping comes in. With the right design and plant choices, you can have a beautiful, functional yard that practically takes care of itself.
Start with Smart Planting
One of the easiest ways to cut down on yard work is by choosing the right plants. Native perennials are stars in the low-maintenance world. They’re already adapted to your local climate, meaning they need less water, fewer chemicals, and rarely suffer from pests or diseases. Think ornamental grasses, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, or hardy lavender.
Mulch Like You Mean It
Mulch is a time-saver’s best friend. A good layer (2–3 inches) of premium mulch around your plants suppresses weeds, holds in moisture, and helps regulate soil temperature. Less watering and weeding? Yes, please.
Skip the Lawn (or at least shrink it)
Turfgrass can be a time and water hog. If you’re not keen on spending summer afternoons mowing, consider reducing your lawn area. Replace it with groundcovers like Sedum, Phlox or clover. Or another option is gravel beds with drought-tolerant plants for a clean, modern look.
Hardscapes That Work Hard
Patios, walkways, and decorative stone features not only look great—they’re ultra low-maintenance. Consider integrating more hardscape into your yard for stylish spaces that don’t need watering or pruning. At Reynolds & Juett Associates, we love combining pavers, stone, and raised beds to create spaces that are as easy to maintain as they are beautiful.
Automatic Wins
Smart irrigation systems are another great tool for hands-off gardening. Drip irrigation, timers, and moisture sensors mean your plants get exactly what they need, when they need it—without you lifting a hose.
At Reynolds & Juett Associates, we believe landscaping should bring peace of mind, not a weekend chore list. Whether you’re looking to redesign your entire yard or just simplify a few key areas, our team can help you create a landscape that fits your lifestyle—and looks fantastic doing it.
So go ahead—pour a glass of lemonade, kick your feet up, and enjoy your summer. We’ll handle the rest.