Busy lifestyles and an increasing appreciation of outdoor living have made low maintenance gardens more popular than ever. Homeowners and property developers want their landscapes to look smart and stylish without demanding hours of labour. According to Central Landscapes, attractive outdoor spaces are in high demand and add value to both lifestyle and capital assets; many Kiwis are happy to invest in professional landscaping to achieve the desired effect. At the same time, people have less time for garden upkeep, so they seek plants that are self‑sufficient and resilient. This article explores design principles for low maintenance gardens, provides a selection of easy‑care plants suited to Auckland’s climate, and explains why sourcing from a local Auckland nursery is a smart choice.
Principles of low maintenance design
Low maintenance landscapes succeed by simplifying design and choosing robust plants. Limit your plant palette to a few species with strong year‑round form or foliage, and group them in bold drifts or blocks. This creates visual impact with less clutter and reduces the number of individual plants to care for. Stick to clean, bold curves or straight lines and avoid using too many different materials. A minimalist approach often feels more spacious and is easier to maintain.
All‑season plants should form the backbone of a low maintenance garden. Evergreen shrubs, groundcovers and succulents provide structure and colour without an obvious off season. Look for disease‑resistant varieties that suit your soil and climate; plants unsuited to their location will struggle and require more attention. Reducing lawn area in favour of planting, paving and decking also cuts down on mowing and irrigation. Groundcover plants create attractive carpets of texture and colour while doubling as weed barriers; prostrate shrubs with quick growth and generous spread mean you don’t have to plant as many plants.
Easy‑care plant categories
Bulbs – Many bulbs require little to no maintenance. Daffodils, iris and crocus bloom in spring, while lilies (including daylilies and rain lilies) flower in summer. These plants sprout when conditions are right, bloom until finished, and then reabsorb energy for the next year. A light application of bulb food when they sprout or die back is all that’s needed.
Native phormium (flax) – Flaxes are hardy evergreen perennials that need little care once established. They thrive in various soils, from well‑drained sandy areas to dry clay. Different cultivars grow to different sizes, so allow sufficient spacing (about a metre between plants) for mature width. Flax adds architectural form and is tolerant of wind and salt spray, making it perfect for coastal projects.
Mondo grass – This compact grass is exceptionally self‑sufficient and can be planted as a soft lawn alternative or groundcover. It thrives in part shade or dappled light, whether in the garden or in pots; once established it requires little attention beyond watering during extended dry spells.
Hosta – Hostas are shade lovers best planted on the southern side of the house, against a shaded fence or under trees. Those with lighter leaves handle brighter areas; deep green types prefer more shade. Fertilise once in early spring and scatter a bit of sand around the base to deter slugs and snails.
Clivia – Clivias are low‑maintenance shade lovers with red, peach or yellow flowers. They make great underplantings beneath trees or large shrubs and need minimal water once established. Feed with a liquid fertiliser if they struggle initially and water a couple of times a week until they settle.
Sedum – Low‑growing sedum varieties, such as golden sedum, form an attractive, drought‑tolerant groundcover. They flourish in full sun and typically require water once or twice a week; no extra care is needed in winter. Sedums are perfect for filling patchy or bare spots and their flowers attract bees.
Carex – Native carex grasses are extremely hardy and can survive wet weather, droughts, frosts and coastal conditions. They come in different sizes and colours, so choose the right variety for your site. Use them as groundcovers, edging or focal points in native gardens. Carex testacea, with its orange‑bronze leaves, is a popular choice.
Hydrangea – These shrubs require relatively little care once established. Plant them in well‑draining soil rich in organic matter and water regularly during the first year; after that, watering once a week during hot, dry periods is usually enough. Prune back a third of the wood after the flowers and foliage have died back to encourage new growth next season.
Hebes and flaxes – For public and commercial spaces, shrubs like hebes and flaxes are excellent choices. Hebe ‘Wiri Mist’ is easy care and low maintenance; it’s a hardy native with attractive flowers that attract bees. Harakeke (flax) offers low‑maintenance beauty and cultural significance to commercial landscapes. Both species tolerate a range of conditions and can be used as hedges or specimen plantings.
More tips for low maintenance landscapes
- Group plants with similar needs – Clustering plants that require similar water and light levels reduces the risk of overwatering or underwatering and simplifies care. This principle is especially important when combining sun‑loving species like sedum or phormium with shade lovers such as hosta or clivia.
- Improve soil and drainage – Thoroughly prepare the soil before planting. Remove perennial weeds, incorporate compost and ensure good drainage, particularly in clay soils. Healthy soil encourages strong root growth and reduces susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Mulch – Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and regulate temperature. Organic mulches like bark or straw break down over time and improve soil structure. Reapply mulch annually to maintain its benefits.
- Reduce lawn areas – Lawns require frequent mowing, watering and fertilising. Replacing lawn with mass plantings, groundcovers, paving or decking saves time and resources. For spaces where lawn is desired, choose robust, slow‑growing grass species that tolerate less mowing.
- Use irrigation wisely – Drip or soaker hose systems deliver water directly to roots, reducing evaporation and weed growth. Set timers to water early in the morning when evaporation rates are lower. In rainier months, adjust or turn off irrigation systems to avoid overwatering.
- Choose disease‑resistant varieties – Plants susceptible to pests and diseases require more attention and chemical treatments. Selecting disease‑resistant varieties suited to Auckland’s climate reduces the need for intervention. Ask local nurseries about varieties with proven resistance to common issues such as rust, mildew or root rot.
Sourcing plants from local suppliers
Obtaining plants from a trusted Auckland plant supply business ensures they are grown under conditions similar to your garden. Local nurseries offer expert knowledge about which species perform well in different suburbs, soil types and microclimates. They can recommend low‑maintenance varieties and provide advice on planting and care. For developers and landscape contractors, ordering plants in bulk from a reliable supplier saves time and ensures uniformity. Working with Concept Botanica, for example, means you can access a wide range of natives and exotics, receive tailored recommendations and coordinate deliveries to fit project timelines.
Low maintenance landscapes are achievable with thoughtful design, careful plant selection and good soil preparation. Simplifying your palette, grouping plants with similar needs, and focusing on evergreens, groundcovers and drought‑tolerant species reduce ongoing work. Bulbs, phormium, mondo grass, hostas, clivia, sedum, carex and hydrangeas are just a few of the plants that require little upkeep. Shrubs like hebes and flaxes provide low‑maintenance structure and habitat for wildlife. By partnering with a local nursery or plant supplier, homeowners and developers can create gardens that enhance property value, support biodiversity and remain beautiful with minimal effort.
