If you’re looking to create a garden that looks great but doesn’t demand hours of upkeep this spring or summer, then a low-maintenance garden is the perfect solution. You’d be surprised at just how much making a few simple changes to your outdoor space can reduce the time spent on chores, and you still enjoy a beautiful, welcoming garden.

And, of course, if you need the tools to get the job done, you’re in the right place! At Smiths Hire, we’ve been providing reliable and speedy tool hire services to the North West for over 50 years now from our 18 tool hire depots! We have everything you need in our garden tool hire range to get your low-maintenance garden in shape in no time at all!
So whether you’re busy working on the weekdays, or you’re a parent, or just someone who prefers to spend more time relaxing in your garden than working on it, these four tips will help you create a garden that’s as easy to care for as it is enjoyable to spend time in.

Leave out the lawn
Grass lawns are a traditional feature of many gardens – so much so that we just come to accept that they’re a part of it – but they’re also one of the most time-consuming elements to maintain. From constant mowing to weeding and feeding, a lawn requires consistent care to stay green and healthy. If you have a garden on the smaller side, this level of effort can feel even more unfulfilling.
In this case, one of the best ways to simplify your garden care is to replace your grass with alternatives like aggregates, paving, or plant pots. These options create a neat, structured look while requiring very little maintenance. You can still have a beautiful outdoor space without the hassle of mowing and edging, and with some creative planting and design, you can make your garden feel as lush and inviting as a lawn – just without the constant upkeep.

Choose evergreen plants
Evergreen plants are a gardener’s best friend when it comes to low-maintenance greenery. These hardy plants keep their foliage all year round, meaning you won’t need to replace them with new ones each season. Choosing evergreens means your garden will have a consistent level of beauty, no matter the time of year. They’re ideal for adding structure and year-round colour with minimal effort. Not only do they save time by not needing regular replanting, but they also reduce the overall maintenance in your garden. You won’t need to worry about dead plants or empty spaces when the seasons change – evergreens provide a reliable and low-maintenance solution for keeping your garden looking fresh and vibrant all year long.

Go wild or go home
If you’re lucky enough to have a large garden or live in an area rich with wildlife, why not embrace nature’s beauty by letting your garden grow a little more wild? Wildflowers are an excellent way to add a burst of colour and character to your outdoor space, and they practically take care of themselves. You can scatter seed bundles of native wildflowers suited to your area and let them thrive in their natural habitat.
This will create a beautiful, natural look that also supports local wildlife, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies. Letting your garden grow wild also means fewer chores for you, as these plants will largely thrive on their own once established. It’s a win-win – you get a stunning garden, and local wildlife gets a sanctuary.

Install permanent edges
A simple yet effective way to reduce maintenance in your garden is to install permanent edging along your flowerbeds or any lawn areas you want to maintain. By using materials like aggregates, bricks, or stone, you can define the borders of your garden, making it easier to mow and keep tidy.

It saves time when you’re mowing, gives your garden a more structured and polished appearance and stops the weeds from encroaching. With defined edges, it’s much easier to keep your garden looking neat and controlled without the extra effort of trying to get into nooks and crannies with the mower and having to swap tools in and out to keep everything looking even. These permanent edges also don’t require any ongoing care, and they can last for years, so your garden remains neat and well-maintained with minimal input.

With these four easy tips, you can transform your garden into a low-maintenance space that still looks the part this summer. So, why not make the switch today and enjoy a garden that works with you, not against you? You’ll find all the tools you need to get started in our garden tool hire range, from lawnmowers to hedge trimmers, power washers and more!

If you have any questions or need any guidance, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0333 323 2100. Our team of tool hire experts is always happy to help you out!