What is the best low maintenance garden that can thrive when away?

Vegetables or flowers and where do you live?

Location?It depends on where and what you want to plant

minimalist planting’s using lots of shrubs and hardscaping

Talk to your LOCAL nursery to find plants that are low maintenance and drought tolerant.... they can also give you information on installing a drip system to water your garden while you are away.... this is essential... there are lots of different timers available to use to automatically water your plants when you are away.

A rock garden with desert hardy plants should work.

I agree with Janet & Marty. Depends on your location. Hardy, native plants that thrive in your area already would be your best bet. And a drip system is easy & super low maintenance