Four low-maintenance garden plants that 'need very little from you'

These plants are designed to thrive with less water, meaning you could cut your bills and have plenty of time for other things

15:57, 25 Jan 2026Updated 15:58, 25 Jan 2026

Sunlit ornamental grasses in a garden, creating a peaceful, natural scene in summer.

You don’t need to work hard for these plants to thrive(Image: Getty)

If you’re after that picture-perfect garden vibe but can’t spare hours tending to it, then a low-maintenance outdoor space is what you need. The tricky bit? Figuring out which plants will thrive without constant fussing.

Enter Patrick Martin, a gardening expert from Frantoio Grove, a Californian olive farm, who’s done the legwork so you don’t have to. He’s unveiled the four plants that flourish with minimal effort, plus handy hints to keep your garden gorgeous without sending your water bills through the roof, reports the Express.

Patrick explained: “Aside from being decorative, your garden is part of your home’s ecosystem.

“With a few strategic changes, you can cut both water and heating costs without spending a fortune or compromising your garden’s health.”

Patrick said the top four plants for minimal watering include lavender, rosemary, sedum and ornamental grasses. They’re stunning to look at but demand precious little once they’ve bedded in.

French lavender flowers and rosemary at herb garden in rain

These plants need little intervention(Image: Getty)

He added: “These plants are designed to thrive with less water.

“Once they’re settled in, they’ll need very little from you, which means lower water bills and less time spent with the hose.”

To slash your watering requirements even more, Patrick suggests mulching across your entire garden. Smart mulching can slash water needs by as much as 50%.

He noted: “Mulch acts like a blanket for your soil.

“It keeps moisture where your plants need it, meaning you’ll water far less often. You can use affordable options like homemade compost, shredded leaves, or even grass clippings. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

Autumn leaves and plants in a garden bed with bark mulch

Keeping your garden mulched will reduce the need to water as frequently(Image: Getty)

By applying a layer of organic material such as wood chips, bark, or compost to the soil, you establish a barrier that retains moisture and reduces evaporation.

To reduce watering frequency even further, ensure you select the optimal time of day.

During the summer months, or on sunny days, it’s advisable to water the garden in the early morning or evening. This prevents water from simply evaporating before it reaches your plants’ roots.