Creating a home that is easy to manage is an essential part of aging in place. But making your Hopkinsville, West Kentucky home low-maintenance shouldn't mean sacrificing your beautiful garden. Gardening is often considered a high-maintenance hobby, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you're planning to age in place at home or just need a lower-maintenance garden, here are five tips to create a beautiful garden that works for your lifestyle needs.
1. Choose plants that provide ground cover
If you want a garden that is easier to manage, choose plants that will grow outward along the ground, covering the space more quickly and requiring less shaping and maintenance than other plants. Not only will this make it easier to keep a full-looking garden, but ground cover plants also help to prevent weeds from growing, keeping your space looking great.
2. Opt for fewer containers
Plants in containers often require more watering, needing more attention. They may also outgrow their containers, meaning you may have to transplant them to a larger container in the future. If you want a few containers, pick larger containers and drought-tolerant plants such as succulents to minimize the work you'll have to put in.
3. Include shrubs that take up more space
Shrubs are a great option to include in a low-maintenance garden. They take up more space and can be a great way to add structure to your garden with minimal work. Some shrubs may require occasional trimming and shaping, but there are many varieties that can be left to grow mostly on their own. Use shrubs in large patches instead of other high-maintenance plant options.
4. Pick plants that require less trimming
Plants that can just be left alone to grow are much easier to take care of long-term than plants that need regular pruning. There are many types of plants that you can just "set and forget" that can add bright colors and textures to your space. There are many types of flowers that grow well in Paducah, Kentucky, that require little effort to look beautiful. For even less maintenance, choose plants that require less watering and plant them directly into the ground.
5. Improve access to all parts of the garden
Make it easier to take care of your garden by making sure you can easily access all parts of it. Design smooth, anti-slip, level pathways that allow you to reach all your plants without needing to step over rough terrain. Keep your paths swept and free of plants to avoid tripping. Avoid materials like Indian sandstone, which can become extremely slippery when wet. It also helps to avoid decking, which will require maintenance.
Senior Helpers of West Kentucky
Being able to stay at home and live independently is empowering. Senior Helpers of West Kentucky is the premier provider of in-home senior care in the Madisonville and Murray areas. We offer tailored home care services ranging from companion care for seniors who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's, and other chronic diseases. Contact us!