Edible gardens and low maintenance surroundings are among the latest trends in landscaping as we start to escape the cooler months, into Spring.
Landscaper Flec Doherty said if you are busy or just not into gardening, low maintenance is the way to go.
“Low maintenance gardens we definitely see a lot of, because people just don’t have the time to look after their yards or gardens anymore,” she said.
“People always ask us about plants that are drought tolerant or that will look after themselves and we also have seen an increase in people getting gardeners in to maintain their yards for them.”
Ms Doherty, who works for Fox Mowing, Gardening and Landscaping in Bethania, said coloured mulch and rocks are great for low maintenance, with a pop of colour.
“A lot of customers are putting red or green mulch or woodchips down in the gardens to make things pop again,” she said.
“We even have people ask for rock gardens, at the moment small red rocks are really in fashion.”
As well as looking good, Ms Doherty said there are also many benefits to mulching around your gardens.
“Mulching stops a lot of weeds from getting through and from birds dropping more seeds into the soil,” she said.
“Not only is it easier to maintain the weeds, but the gardens will require less water and the mulch adds nutrients to the soil.”
Landscaping contractor Abby Graham said when it comes to gardening, people are going back to the basics.
“We have noticed that people are focusing more on the environment around them and asking us to incorporate elements of sustainable living,” she said.
“We are being asked for easy maintenance gardens, gardens attracting wildlife, some reclaimed materials in the garden and edible gardens.
“These types of gardens show the extent of our current climate and I believe it’s all about working with what you have.”
If your garden is in shambles, making it look good again can be as simple as giving it a little TLC.
“You don’t need to go crazy to make the garden look good, because even just weeding, trimming and mulching can give the garden a new look,” Ms Doherty said.
“Even having well maintained hedges or a good hedge shape can create clean lines, especially in the front yard, making it look much more inviting and welcoming.
“Whether you do it yourself or you hire someone, just adding a bit of colour to the garden can really make a difference in appearance and by adding mulch you’re lessening the maintenance for yourself.”
Ms Doherty said coloured mulch is available for less than $10 a bag.
