Some people move to the countryside for the joy of living off the land and getting close to nature. Others simply like the surroundings, or the allure of a quiet life, but don’t necessarily embrace the natural outdoorsy life. Both outlooks are equally valid, but if you’re in the latter group, countryside gardening probably isn’t your favourite.
Unfortunately for you, the majority of rural houses come complete with more land than a city dwelling, and that land needs tending. Or, does it? In truth, the work you’re required to put in might not be as intensive as you expect. There are notable ways to simplify your outside labor, even in a rural garden of an acre or more.
But is there such a thing as a ‘no-hassle’ countryside garden? You’ll be pleased to hear that the answer is a resounding yes, and we’re going to consider the best ways to achieve that goal.
1. Create Clear Zones
If you simply leave your countryside garden to do its own thing, you’ll end up with a pretty wild finish. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this (if anything, wilderness gardens are growing in popularity), but it does mean you might struggle to actually use this space.
Luckily, there is a way to get a usable garden that doesn’t require ongoing maintenance, and it lies in simply creating zones across your outdoor space. Using borders like hedges or durable fencing to split your garden into sections means that you can leave some areas wild, while still creating space for the things you actually want to do outside.
For instance, with a zoning system, you could ensure the space for fully patioed areas which are both hassle-free and fully usable for your outdoor requirements. Meanwhile, you could still enjoy the more natural elements of untouched outdoor space right outside of those boundaries.
This method is especially effective if you have children or pets, as it allows you to ensure fully secure, suitable, easy-care areas for them to explore, without having to worry about the full expanse of your outdoor space.
2. Embrace Wilderness (In Moderation)
As mentioned, wild gardens filled with wild flowers and meadow grass are only growing in popularity as we realize their benefits for nature. Even if you don’t love the more nature-based elements of countryside living, you’re sure to enjoy the increase of butterflies, birds, and bees to your garden. Unfortunately, simply leaving your outdoor space to do what it wants probably won’t result in the wildflower meadow you’re imagining. Rather, it could lead to a messy garden that requires a whole lot of work to come together.
Weeds and other overgrowth, including thick thorns and unwanted grasses, can prove especially problematic, and they’re easy enough to overcome if you simply embrace wilderness in a more structured way. This may sound strange, but taking a short amount of time to, say, scatter wildflower seeds, can ensure the kind of growth you want, while restricting a more unruly finish. It can also be useful to mow a clear path that enables you to walk through these areas.
These tasks needn’t take more than an hour or less of your time, but they make it far less likely that you’ll be left facing an impenetrable tangle of weeds down the line.
3. Pick Plants Based on Soil
If you still want to enjoy the view of neat flowerbeds and varied growth, then it pays to know your soil a little better. We’re not saying you need to become an expert, but doing a small amount of research to understand the type of soil in your area, and choosing flowers that are most compatible with that, ensures that your garden, once planted, pretty much takes care of itself.
As a general rule of thumb, dry soil in sunny areas is best for lavenders, while azaleas and heathers are most likely to thrive with acidic soil. You don’t even need to deep-dive to find the right plants. Simply think about things like local weather conditions and invest in some basic soil acid tests to get a good feel for what would work best.
Takeaway
Life in the countryside very often comes complete with a large plot of land, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by that if you’re not a natural-born gardener. But, no-hassle gardening exists everywhere, including within your rural way of life. Simply follow these tips for an outdoor space that you can enjoy without the work!