Can you give me some suggestions on ways to plant low maintenance?

Penni White
by Penni White
I am currently recovering from a stroke and am limited to my "normal' gardening abilities. I had to move from my beautiful home and yard to a more accessible one story home. The new home has no plants or trees in the yard, and, of course, no garden (which I also had prior). icon

Can you maybe include ways to plant herbs and veggies in the mix? My yard is small but it has lots of potential.

I appreciate the opportunity to ask my question. I am looking forward to hearing your suggestions!icon

  6 answers
  • Suzanne Suzanne on Dec 20, 2017

    I used plastic planters from Walmart in different sizes to plant my garden in Arkansas on an elevated deck/patio. I used every Basil I I could find and bunches of other spices and some Little veggie plants. I threw in some aromatic flowers to go with the spice scents. A good organic gardening book/magazine will give you many options to intermingle complimentary plants. Good luck and here's hoping small is better for you.

    • Penni White Penni White on Dec 20, 2017

      Thank you. I like that suggestion. I have time to research it before spring. I appreciate your help!

  • Shannon Shannon on Dec 20, 2017

    This might not be of help as it won't mention herbs or veggies, and not knowing your region, but to add curb appeal, you might want to use greenery- like boxwoods. Those come in different sizes and not all have to be boxed. I use one in my front flower bed. I have tried blooming flowers but they died because I face west and they got the brunt of the sun in the afternoons. Yucca is a spikey type of shrubs that has variant of colors to it. I have one plant that I can't remember the name of it. But I got it for the colors -- so it will add color but is sturdy for all weather. It is green in spring, slowly turns in summer and right now it has red leaves. Lavender is a beautiful plant too... Hope some of this helps. Also, try planting a Maple type tree. those are great.

  • SandyG SandyG on Dec 20, 2017

    I am so thankful to hear you are recovering and excited to start planning a garden and landscape for your new home.

    Make sure your landscaping includes weeding cover around trees to keep weeds at a minimum. Same for any shrubbery bushes or flowers. Consider how much trimming your plantings and trees will need before planting.

    Listed is a link to information and pictures of low maintenance landscaping.


    https://www.pinterest.com/explore/low-maintenance-landscaping/?lp=true


    Raised beds are a great help with limited mobility, as it planter gardening. A gardening table would provide waist-high access to re-potting plants and extra storage for pots and smaller hand tools and gloves, etc.


    Pinterest has so many great pictures and tips about gardening/yard care. Click on the links below for great ideas.


    https://www.pinterest.com/grifphon/raised-garden-bed-for-limited-mobility/?lp=true

    https://www.pinterest.com/explore/container-gardening/?lp=true


    https://www.pinterest.com/explore/herb-planters/?lp=true

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 20, 2017

    what is your location and lighting so the best answer could be given

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Dec 20, 2017

    Simple is best with your limited physical abilities. I would garden in a couple of containers and enjoy the beauty of a simple garden and no need to weed.....you will adjust and be happy!

  • Penni White Penni White on Dec 20, 2017

    Awesome. That really opened my eyes to all the great ideas I can incorporate. Thank you so much for your advice, your ideas and the links.


    I REALLY appreciate your response! There may be hope for me yet. A way to find my "new normal"