Who says gorgeous gardens require constant work? These strategies will help you create stunning outdoor spaces that demand minimal upkeep.

Replace high-maintenance annuals with perennial flowering shrubs like lavender and rosemary. They come back year after year and need little beyond occasional pruning.

Automated irrigation systems with smart controllers adjust watering based on weather forecasts. Some even learn your garden's needs over time.

Use ground covers like creeping thyme instead of grass in low-traffic areas. They suppress weeds, never need mowing, and many bloom beautifully.

Hardscape features like stone pathways and decorative gravel beds add visual interest without any maintenance beyond occasional sweeping.