Whether you recently installed Millboard decking and you’re looking for ways to elevate your new space, or you’re just starting to explore the possibilities of Millboard, you’re in the right place! Bright blooms, lush foliage, and sweet scents are the goals of every backyard garden. But let’s face it, landscaping can be quite a chore, especially if you’re not particularly gifted with a green thumb.
From selecting the right plants and materials, to strategic design choices, we’ve compiled a guide to help you grow a beautiful garden that compliments your outdoor space.
Try Growing Perennials
One of the best ways to ensure a low-maintenance garden is by planting perennials. These plants offer the best of both worlds: gorgeous flowers and easy maintenance.
Unlike annuals that need to be replanted each spring, perennials come back year after year. Once they are established, they require minimal attention. Perennials come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can create a garden that reflects your personal style. Some of the best perennial options include black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, daylilies, hostas, and astilbes.
Organic Mulch vs. Mulch Alternatives
Mulch is one of the best tools in a gardener’s arsenal. Not only does it add aesthetic appeal to your garden, it also has several practical purposes! Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which means you won’t need to water as often. It also helps to prevent weeds from growing by blocking out sunlight, and it provides nutrients to your plants as it breaks down into the soil.
Like any other gardening material, it would be beneficial to research different types of mulch and mulch alternatives to see which option will work best for your space. Organic mulches, such as shredded leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips, break down over time and improve soil quality. Non-organic mulch alternatives like rubber or rock never break down but can still provide some of the same benefits as organic mulch.
Better Together
One of the easiest and most effective gardening methods is grouping plants with similar levels of care together. By gathering these types of foliage, you can water and fertilize plants more efficiently and reduce the amount of time you’ll spend caring for your garden.
For example, if you have a group of plants that require full sun and dry soil, you can plant them together and water them less frequently than plants that require more water. Similarly, if you have plants that require shade and moist soil, grouping them together will make it easier to maintain proper growing conditions.
Go Local
Native plants naturally adapt to the specific climate and soil conditions in your area, making them a simple and cost-effective option for your garden. Planting these species in your garden can reduce the amount of maintenance needed since they require less water and fertilizer compared to non-native plants. They even provide food and shelter for wildlife, which can help promote local ecosystems! Native plants are also naturally resistant to common pests and diseases in your region, meaning you won’t need to spend as much time and money on treatments to keep them healthy.
Think Big
Choosing larger plants for your garden can actually reduce the amount of maintenance required. Large plants provide more coverage and shade, which can help to suppress weeds and reduce the need for watering. Large foliage can also create scale and structure for your outdoor space and help other garden features look more intentional.
If you decide to go big, make sure to plant them with enough space to grow and thrive, and consider the potential impact on neighboring plants and structures. You will still the occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size, but overall they will require less maintenance than a collection of smaller plants.
Work Smarter Not Harder
They say it’s better to do the right things poorly than to execute the wrong ones perfectly. Millboard compliments any backyard space by combining low-maintenance capabilities with natural timber grain, texture, and color. No matter if you’re looking to achieve a more rustic deck or a polished patio, you’re sure to find the perfect match with one of the Millboard collections.
Creating and maintaining your backyard can be within reach with the right tools, materials, and techniques. Through these fundamental methods, you can save time, effort, and money while also preserving the environment and local wildlife!
At the end of the day, each area nurtured is a step towards a beautiful outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
