Easy Breezy Landscaping with Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants

Easy Breezy Landscaping with Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants

Have a brown thumb, live a busy lifestyle, or are new to gardening? This is for you. Outdoor plants don’t have to be complicated. You can create a beautiful garden and upgrade your landscaping game with a few easy options. So if you’ve ever worried while you watered your outdoor plants, it’s ok, we’ve got you.

Whether your outdoor space has full sun, partial shade, or somewhere in between, these resilient beauties are here to make your life easier and your garden gorgeous.

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Photo by Aniston Grace

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

This North American native boasts sunny yellow petals and a dark center. We love them (and we think you will too) because they’re drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and bloom from mid-summer through fall. Plus, butterflies love them!

Fun fact: They look similar to daisies because they are a type of daisy.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

These succulent-like cuties are thick with pinkish blooms and thrive in full sunlight and dry soil. If you’re truly looking for a “set it and forget it” perennial, these are perfect.

Yarrow

From yellow, pink, and white, yarrow is handy and unfussy. These fern-like flat-topped plants are great for the outdoors because they’re pollinator magnets and add texture to perennial borders.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are gorgeous, purple daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer. These beauties attract butterflies and bees, but they aren’t just attractive — they’re also resilient, able to handle drought and poor soil.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

Gaillardia features warm orange and red tones, adding warmth and dimension to your garden beds. They’re great because they love the sun and hate fuss.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that loves well-drained soil. The queen of minimal care, it grows particularly well in dry and hot climates. Bonus? Aloe vera gel is great for your skin.

Zinnias

Zinnias are vibrant, long-lasting flowers that are beloved for their low maintenance and fast growth. They thrive in sunlight and are great for filling garden beds.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Adored for their unique “clustered” shape and variety of colors, this perennial flower blooms in the summer and thrives in dry soils. Not only are they easy to grow, but monarch butterflies and caterpillars love them.

Lavender

Inhale worry and exhale calm. That’s how it feels to smell the relaxing scent of lavender. This fragrant favorite is drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.

Hostas

Large with lush leaves, hostas are a foliage favorite because they need very little care. With blue-green or variegated leaves, they thrive in shade or partial shade.

Russian Sage

Featuring soft silver stems and purple-blue flowers, Russian sage is a staple for garden elegance. It’s deer-resistant, loves sun, and is resilient (even in poor soil).

Cosmos

If you’re looking to add a whimsical, airy touch to garden beds, try cosmos. Once planted, these pretty, soft pink to sunny orange flowers only need occasional watering.

Zebra Grass (Miscanthus)

Add some movement and dimension to garden beds with zebra grass. Its variegated leaves sway beautifully in the wind, offer a unique touch (without overpowering), and require little upkeep.

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is a velvety, soft silver foliage plant that’s low-growing, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant, making it the perfect groundcover for a low-key lush vibe.

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Cheery and golden-yellow, coreopsis plants love to soak up the sun. We love them because they bloom beautifully without asking much in return.

Daylilies

These beauties come in almost every color and are beloved as low-maintenance perennials. Since they bloom again and again, they are great landscaping focal points.

Catmint (Nepeta)

This pollinator favorite is a fragrant purple-flowered plant that grows happily with little care.

Salvia

Commonly known as “sage,” this easy-to-grow plant is often burned for ceremonies or to clear out bad energy. In its purest form, it’s a pretty blue or at times fiery red plant that’s drought-tolerant, and a hummingbird favorite.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Pollinators love a good bee balm plant. Not only is it aromatic, it’s bold in color – you’ll love it too because it’s perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird. Yep, it’s a garden fairy dream.

Succulents (Various)

Succulents are popular – you can pretty much find them in any nursery, especially in dry climates. Just make sure you store them in well-drained containers and don’t overwater.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are colorful, vibrant, and low-fuss — everything your garden needs. They bloom in early spring or fall and love the sun.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Got a shady spot? Coral bells are the answer. This bell-shaped perennial flower has vibrant foliage in purple, lime, or bronze tones that remain beautiful year-round.

Hydrangeas (Panicle or Oakleaf)

Some hydrangeas require more care, but panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas are surprisingly low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.

Dusty Miller

Soft and silvery, these plants add contrast and variety to any garden bed. Dusty miller is perfect for edging and thrives with very little help.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

A butterfly favorite, this fast-growing and fragrant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune it in early spring, then let it flourish.

Ice Plant

Another succulent stunner, ice plants have vivid daisy-like blooms and thick foliage, perfect for sunny, dry spots.

Knock Out Roses

These aren’t your typical roses. Unlike the traditional variety, knock out roses are low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and bloom like crazy. (Not to be biased, but if you’re going to plant roses…)

Newbie Gardener Tips

Even the most resilient plants need a little love. Here are a few pro-tips (whether you’re new, novice, or consider yourself a pro) to keep your low-maintenance garden looking lush:

  • Start with the soil: Well-drained soil is key – add compost or sand to loosen things up.
  • Use a slow-release fertilizer once per season to keep your plants fed.
  • Install a soaker hose or drip system for low-effort, water-efficient irrigation.
  • Mulch it up: Mulching helps retain moisture and block weeds.
  • Group by needs: Place drought-tolerant plants together, and shade lovers in the same bed.
  • Cut and enjoy: Many of the options on the list make amazing cut flowers for a fresh indoor bouquet!

Pick Your Garden Aesthetic  

Whether you’re drawn to a dreamy cottagecore aesthetic or a desert oasis vibe, here are a few simple ways to design your garden:

  • Pick a palette: Orange and yellow (gaillardia + black-eyed susans), purple and white (salvia + yarrow), or monochrome.
  • Play with contrast: Mix dusty miller, lamb’s ear, and dark purple coral bells.
  • Add dimension: Vary taller plants with shorter plants to add depth and visual interest.

No matter where you are on your gardening journey, there’s a low-maintenance plant just waiting to be yours. These fuss-free favorites simply need a little sunshine, water, and a whole lotta love. So grab your garden gloves and cue up your favorite playlist – your dream garden is only a few blossoms away.

More outdoor landscape inspiration

2 plants that will feed, protect and shelter birds in a garden, and cats won’t want to go anywhere near them

2 plants that will feed, protect and shelter birds in a garden, and cats won’t want to go anywhere near them

Wildlife experts have revealed the two plants you need to deter garden predators and keep birds safe this summer.

As much as we all want to attract birds to our gardens with wildlife garden ideas, we also need to take a little responsibility for keeping them safe when they’re visiting. You don’t need me to tell you that cats can be birds’ biggest predators in an urban environment.

Unveiling their bird-friendly garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, charity SongBird Survival included two plants that provided both food and shelter for birds but deterred common predators. These plants were sweet briar rose (from £1.99 at Dobies) and cockspur thorn (£7.90 at Amazon).

Sweet briar rose

Sweet briar rose

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Why you should plant sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn

‘Sweet briar rose produces nectar-rich flowers and red hips that serve as an essential food source for birds, while its dense growth provides a safe place for nesting birds,’ explains Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival.

‘Similarly, the cockspur thorn produces white spring flowers and red berries, and its thorny branches create secure perching and nesting opportunities. Its long thorns are a natural deterrent for cats and larger birds and allow smaller birds to have a safe space in the garden.’

Sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn are two of the best plants for birds because of the array of different benefits they have, providing food, shelter and protection. They’re also plants birds would take shelter in out in the wild.

Can you plant these shrubs now?

‘You can certainly plant cockspur now, while the temperatures are still mild,’ says James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers.

‘Early spring or early autumn proves to be the best time to plant cockspur shrubs, in between any weather extremes. Early spring is an optimum time for the plant to establish itself before the hot summer causes any disruptions; the mild weather in September or October is a good time to plant cockspur before the cold winter months come into force.’

‘Briar rose also thrives when the ground is still cool and moist, so early to late spring is a great time to incorporate these plants into your garden. These shrubs equally dislike extreme temperatures that are too hot or too cold.’

Cockspur thorn

Cockspur thorn

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With hot weather on the horizon, it is most likely too late to plant cockspur and sweet briar rose as the plants may not be able to establish themselves.

Instead, you should wait until September when the weather is a little cooler to give your plants the best chance of survival and therefore help your garden birds thrive in the future.

15+ Beautiful Ways to Use Outdoor Uplights in Landscaping

15+ Beautiful Ways to Use Outdoor Uplights in Landscaping

When the sun goes down, a little lighting can go a long way. Outdoor uplights add a beautiful touch to landscaping and give an otherwise simple setting that extra oomph. Plus, the right lights do more than you think, like setting the tone from cozy to dramatic to even magical. You can use outdoor uplights in several areas, including walkways, foliage, patios, and walls.

We’ll explore beautiful ways to enhance the exterior of your home with uplights (along with a few design tips and tricks).

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Photo by Easten Outdoors

What Are Outdoor Uplights?

Uplights are an outdoor lighting feature which includes fixtures designs to cast light upward. These lights are typically found in the ground, either by superficially adding them or building them into surfaces (like a recessed area or low base structure). These lights are more focused and directional, making them a great addition for illuminating trees, architectual elements, walls and even scultpures.

So, why should you add uplights? If you’re on the fence, here are few reasons to explore.

  • Add drama. Use uplights to add dimension, texture, and contrast to otherwise flat spaces without needing to redesign or update other landscape elements.
  • Boost safety. Light the path to your entryway, stairs, garage, or yard with strategically placed uplights.
  • Enhance curb appeal. Highlight details of the outside of your home that you love the most.
  • Elevate other lights. Complement flood lights, path lights, wall sconces, and even string lights.

Uplights come in a variety of sleek designs, and many offer energy-efficient LED options at an affordable price, so you can give your home a design boost on a budget.

1. Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

Maybe you’re wondering if the outside of your home needs “something,” but you don’t quite know what to update. Keep it simple (and budget-friendly) with uplighting. Highlight key features of your home like archways, high windows or even textured walls. This is also very effective for stone or brick exteriors because it adds drama without minimal effort.

2. Illuminate Your Entryway

Light the path leading up to your front door with in-ground uplights. Soft lights are great for welcoming guests and elevating curb appeal. You can also install built-in up lights (like the example below) for a sleeker finish. Pathway/entrway uplights are functional and add beauty to the entrance of your home.

3. Uplight Trees

Need an easy outdoor element to highlight? Use existing trees in your back or front yard. Uplighting the base of the trunk and canopy casts beautiful shadows and depth. Use color temperature and shadowing to your advantage to evoke different feels from whimsical to relaxed.

4. Mix it Up with Downlighting

Uplighting pairs really well with downlighting to add dimension. Mount fixtures with light facing down directly or close above uplights below to intentionally feature different aspects of your home (like tall windows or large entryways).

5. Define Walkways

Consider incorporating subtle uplights at the edges of walkways to add definition. Not only will this make walkways easier to navigate, but uplights can highlight greenery or stonework. Mix and match different lighting with uplights for a polished and elevated feel.

6. Add Grazing to Walls or Fences

Mounting uplights near the base of a wall is a technique called grazing. It brings out surface texture and architectural details by creating highlights and shadows. Grazing is one of the easiest ways to elevate basic landscaping.

7. Give Patios and Decks Some Extra Light

Uplights around patios or decks can enhance seating areas and transition spaces. You can pair them well with outdoor wall lights, string lights, or even step lights for extra ambiance.

8. Create Focal Points Outdoor Uplights

Have a garden statue or fountain that you love? Make it stand out with uplights placed below to make it the perfect nighttime centerpiece. Consider playing with different beam sizes, like narrow beams for tall sculptures and wider beams for broad pieces.

9. Backlight Shrubs or Foliage

Shrubs and foliage need attention, too. While trees are a great option for uplight placement, it’s also just as important to highlight plants that either light pathways and outline front or backyards. Place lights behind plants to create a silhouetting effect that’s especially stunning with large tropical leaves or ornamental grasses.

10. Mix Uplights with Spot Lights

Mixing flood lights or spot lights with uplights can create a soft balance in areas that already have strong architectural features. Try a layered lighting design to help your landscaping shine from multiple angles.

11. Play with Color Temperature

Bulb colors can create a warm and cozy vibe or offer a cooler, energizing feel. Warmer bulbs (around 2700k) are great near entryways, while cooler tones (4000k+) make white trim and stonework pop. Varying color with uplights lets you fine-tune your outdoor space to match your mood.

12. Choose Stylish Finishes

Brass uplights are as beautiful as they are classic. Plus, they can handle different types of weather (making them a win-win year-round). Powder-coated aluminum is another finish go-to for a sleek look that pairs well with other outdoor design features.

13. Go In-Ground for a Clean Look

In-ground uplights can create a minimalist feel. They sit flush with your lawn or pavers, virtually disappearing during the day, but making a big statement at night.

14. Use Uplighting to Improve Security

The right lighting plan can offer beauty and safety. Strategically placed uplights around dark corners, fences, or entries can help increase visibility and deter intruders. Consider pairing uplights with security or smart home systems for even more peace of mind.

15. Uplight Outdoor Art or Murals

If your home features an exterior mural or mounted art piece, uplighting can help it shine. Choose wide-beam fixtures with adjustable angles and use a dimmer or smart controller to fine-tune brightness depending on the mood.

White house with colorful mural on wall
Photo by Fancy House

16. Use Path Uplights to Frame Garden Beds

Highlight your garden by installing uplights at low angles beside garden beds. This creates a cozy glow that helps flowers and foliage pop after sunset.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Outdoor Uplighting

DIY Installation

Uplighting is very DIY-friendly. Follow the outdoor lighting installation tips from the brand you purchased and check that the transformers and wiring match the fixture load.

Best Lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs are our top choice for uplighting because they’re long-lasting, energy-efficient, and available in various beam widths and temperatures.

Places to Purchase

Most local retailers, both in person and online, will carry a range of options. Large home improvement stores often have the widest selection.

Avoid Light Pollution or Glare

Keep beam spreads narrow to avoid washing out nearby areas (or annoying your neighbors). Test fixture angles at night and adjust as needed.

Uplighting is all about stylishly illuminating landscaping to highlight the most beautiful aspects of your home. They are a great way to easily add dimension, artistry, and mood to your outdoor space. No matter what your current landscaping looks like, you can take it to the next level with uplights.

More Backyard Inspiration

Opening Up a Front Porch

Opening Up a Front Porch

When the house at the end of the cul-de-sac hasn’t changed in 28 years, it’s time for some front porch rehab.

This house belongs to Jeff and Eliese McAllister. The couple, known as Lolli and Pop to their grandchildren, want to update the front porch on “Camp Lollipop” so their grandchildren can enjoy their front yard as much as their children did while growing up.

The porch is blocked off by tall shrubs and is too narrow for the couple to comfortably sit and watch their grandchildren play.

And that’s where we can help!


The Projects

“Open concept” isn’t just for interiors! We’re opening up this front porch.

Opening Up the Front Porch

Removing the shrubs and handrails blocking Jeff and Eliese’s front-yard view is our first big job.

We have to pressure-wash the house to create a clean slate to start our work. Jeff and I remove shrubs, with the help of the couple’s grandsons, while Chelsea and Eliese tackle the handrails. 

This is what happens when your wood isn’t treated before painting or staining it.

Because the wood handrails aren’t treated, they are rotting away. So, knocking them out with a sledgehammer is the best way to open up the porch — and, maybe, release some tension along the way.

After removing the handrails, we apply putty and sand the columns so it’s like they were never there, to begin with.


Repairing siding isn’t just a cosmetic fix; it can prevent bigger problems later on if the elements enter your home.

Repairing the Shutters and Dormers

This curb appeal makeover requires more than opening up the front porch. We’ve noticed some problems that needed immediate fixes!

First, we repair the ground floor’s damaged shutters. Then, we get up on the roof to repair siding on the dormers. Of the 12 shutters on the front of this house, just one set has a little wood rot. So, Jeff doesn’t want to replace them all.

Since none of these pieces were standard lumber sizes, we had to cut them down on the table saw. Chelsea used the old pieces as a pattern to cut new pieces from the fiber cement material.

A Woodcraft WoodRiver General Purpose Carbide Tipped Saw Blade comes in handy when you need to make custom cuts.

Fortunately, we had a new Woodcraft WoodRiver General Purpose Carbide Tipped Saw Blade. Matching the angles on the bottom piece was a little trickier, but once we primed the wood and put the pieces in place, it worked pretty well!


This front porch is coming along, but it could use more character. We will paint the porch to add some.

Painting the Front Porch

After all the repairs were done, we put a fresh coat of paint on the siding, trim and front porch ceiling. The green shutters clashed with the red-tinted wood door, so we painted them gray to tone it down.

The painted pattern adds a pop of color to this front porch.

The concrete on the front porch has seen better days. Instead of gutting the concrete, we painted a pattern on it using a stencil! It’s a great way to give your concrete a fresh look without breaking the bank.

Watch “How to Stencil a Pattern on a Concrete Porch” for the step-by-step guide and materials list.


Spreading out the new flowerbeds adds to the open feeling.

Planting New Flowerbeds

Next, we added some fresh landscaping. Before, the plants were too concentrated at the front of the porch, so we spread them out to maintain the open space feel.

Finally, we put down a fresh layer of pine straw to finish off the flowerbed.

We also:

  • Added address numbers to the porch column
  • Removed the intercom/doorbell
  • Installed a new porch light
  • Installed soffit vents
  • Replaced the rocking chairs

“Today’s Homeowner” hosts Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf, pictured with Jeff and Eliese McAllister.

Post-Production Thoughts

This front porch rehab really brings things full circle: Jeff and Eliese’s kids grew up here, and now they’re seeing their grandkids grow here.

At one point, the couple thought about selling the house. But with this new front yard, they’re happy to be able to stay in the home they raised their kids, and now, their grandkids as well.

And we did it all for just $1,200 in materials.




More Inspiration

Ask Danny | Ep. 6: Planting Shrubs and Pruning Techniques

Ask Danny | Ep. 6: Planting Shrubs and Pruning Techniques

Lawn and landscape expert Sid Sexton is back to talk more about pruning, landscaping and shrubs.

In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” Sid Sexton is back to tell us how to plant shrubs and give some advice on pruning crape myrtles.

Sid is the founder of Sexton Lawn & Landscape in Daphne, Ala., and is licensed in turf and ornament spraying, landscape design, and setting of landscape plants.


Sid Sexton is the founder and president of Sexton Lawn & Landscape. (Photo courtesy Sexton Lawn & Landscape)

About Sid Sexton

As the founder of Sexton Lawn & Landscape, Sid is a down-to-earth, honest businessman with a love for lawn care, landscape design, and delivering the best products to his clients.

Starting at age 16, Sid spent his summers working for a local landscape company and the local country club and golf course in his hometown of Muskogee, Okla.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in horticulture, Sid joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Hawaii, where he met his future wife, Jourdan.

Sid was our guest for the first episode of “The Ask Danny Podcast,” and he’s back! Listen to “Ask Danny Episode 1: Improving Your Lawn’s Health” to catch up, or read on for more information about this second interview with Sid.


Man planting shrub
When planting shrubs, the width of the hole is more important than the depth. (Minna Kantonen, Getty Images)

Planting Shrubs: Tips for Success

What are some of the steps our listeners should take when planting shrubs?   

Sid: Before you plant shrubs, follow these three steps:

  1. Have a plan. You need the right type of plant for your environment in the right location. Think about space, sunlight and water, then ask yourself these questions: Where will the plants go? Will the area have too much or too little water? Are they the right plants for the right place for the sunlight they need? 
  2. Lay out the bed. Use spray paint to outline the bed line, then rent a sod cutter to remove the turf and vegetation. 
  3. Add soil: Make sure to build the soil up. You can use top soil, bagged soil or an organic specialty blend. The main goal is to add some kind of amendment to the existing soil so your plants will have the nutrition they need. 

When digging holes for your plants, go wide. The hole should be three times the width of the container. Giving it that space to grow out is much more important than how deep the hole is. 

However, you don’t want to dig the hole too deep to where water settles around it. Plant it level to the ground or about a half inch above the soil level. You want water to drain away from the base of the plant.

Then add natural mulch, like pine straw, bark and hay. It will create a mat that will prevent weeds from growing. Weeds sprout from seeds that can be spread through the wind. If you create a thick layer of mulch, it will prevent the seeds from reaching the soil. 

Landscape fabric also does this, but personally, I don’t use it because of the climate I live in. It stays hot almost year-round in south Alabama, so landscape fabric tends to trap heat underground and damage roots. Also, it can push water to low areas and lead to root rot. 

Mulch also insulates the roots, preventing them from getting too hot and cold. And it keeps moisture in the soil from evaporating too quickly. As natural mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil.


pruning shrubs with sharp pruners in spring
Well-pruned shrubs and trees are a hallmark of a carefully tended yard or garden. (Maudib, Getty Images)

Best Time to Prune

What are some general tips about pruning? When is the best time and are there different steps for different plants?

Sid: All plants require some pruning to keep them in shape and promote healthy growth.

There’s lots of nuance in pruning but a general rule for flowering plants is you want to prune the plant after it blooms. 

Learn which technique to use when in our Basic Shrub Pruning Techniques article.


Crape myrtle branches and bloom against a blue sky
You don’t have to cut a ton of branches to encourage crape myrtle blooms. (c11yg, Getty Images)

Pruning Crape Myrtles

Many people have strong opinions on trimming and pruning crape myrtles. What’s your opinion?

Sid: A crape myrtle blooms off new growth. So, some people hack away at the branches to stimulate this new growth. But this isn’t necessary — you can still produce new growth and keep the shape of the plant with selective pruning.

Select pruning eliminates an ugly knuckle from forming and maintains full foliage. Here’s how to do it. 

First, prune cross branches — branches that are rubbing together and growing across from each other. You want the tree to grow up and out, so trim the branches that are growing toward the middle.  

Then, prune broken branches and any branch that’s smaller than your pinky.

Read our guide on How and When to Prune Crape Myrtles for more details.


Sid’s Tips

  • Make sure you have a plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 
  • If you’re not sure what to do, consult with a local expert, like a nursery or landscape architect. 
  • Do it in stages so it’s not overwhelming in time and budget. 

Further Reading


Ask a Question! (Podcast)

Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.