A well-designed garden should enhance your home and lifestyle – not become a time-consuming chore. If you’re a busy professional, a first-time homeowner, or someone with limited mobility, a low maintenance garden is the perfect solution. With the right layout, surfaces, and planting choices, you can enjoy a stylish, functional outdoor space with minimal effort.
At Jacksons Landscape Designs, we specialise in creating bespoke low maintenance gardens across Devon that are tailored to how you live – and how much time you want to spend in the garden.
Why Choose a Low Maintenance Garden?
Low maintenance garden design is about reducing upkeep without compromising on beauty or usability. Whether you want to free up time, avoid physical strain, or simply aren’t a fan of gardening, there are plenty of practical, attractive options available.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), garden design that considers accessibility and low-effort care can dramatically improve your enjoyment of outdoor spaces. RHS Gardening with Disabilities Resources
Low Maintenance Surfaces That Look Great All Year
Traditional lawns can be a drain on your time and energy. They need regular mowing, feeding, watering, and scarifying to stay healthy.
Here are three smarter alternatives:
- Artificial Lawn
Modern artificial grass is a far cry from the plastic turf of the past. It looks and feels realistic, drains well, and requires only an occasional brush or hose down to keep it looking fresh. - Porcelain Paving
Durable, non-slip, and easy to clean, porcelain paving is ideal for paths, patios, or dining areas. It also resists stains and algae growth better than natural stone. - Composite Decking
Perfect for extending your living space outdoors. Composite decking is low-slip, long-lasting, and requires no sanding, staining or sealing – just a quick clean with soap and water.
Combining surfaces – like garden paving, artificial turf, and decking – adds visual interest and defines zones for relaxation, dining, and play.
The Best Low Maintenance Plants for Easy-Care Gardens
Choosing the right plants is key. Avoid delicate, high-maintenance varieties and opt for hardy, evergreen shrubs that offer structure and year-round interest with very little upkeep.
Top Easy-Care Plants:
- Hebe – Compact and evergreen, perfect for borders or pots.
- Viburnum – Fragrant, flowering shrubs that attract pollinators.
- Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica) – Thrives in shade and adds glossy, colourful foliage.
- Lavender – Great for sunny spots and only needs an annual trim.
- Grasses (like Festuca or Carex) – Add movement and texture with almost no maintenance.
Pro Tip:
Plant directly into the ground rather than containers to reduce watering and feeding needs. Use a weed-suppressing membrane beneath bark or gravel mulch to keep weeds to a minimum.
Designed for You – and Your Lifestyle
Every garden is unique. That’s why we begin each project with a detailed consultation to understand how you use your space, how much maintenance you’re happy to do, and what style appeals to you.
Our low maintenance garden design services include:
- Complete garden layout planning
- Smart material recommendations
- Drought-tolerant and low-upkeep planting schemes
- Built-in lighting and irrigation options
- Maintenance guides and optional aftercare visits
Ready to Transform Your Garden?
At Jacksons Landscape Designs, we’ve been designing award-winning low maintenance gardens across Devon for over 30 years. Whether you’re in Newton Abbot, Torquay, Exeter or beyond – we can help you enjoy a beautiful garden without the hard work.
Call 01626 332533 or get in touch online to book your consultation and discover how we can design your perfect, easy-care garden.