How to Level Up Your Low-Maintenance Landscape

At McDonald Landscapes, we're passionate about turning outdoor spaces into stunning, functional landscapes that bring joy to our clients. Landscape Designer Georgia Replogle shares her secrets for transforming a blank patch of garden bed into a low-maintenance, beautifully landscaped rock path over on our McDonald Landscapes YouTube channel! If you're considering revamping your own backyard space, Georgia's design is full of inspiration and ideas on how to level up your low-maintenance landscape. 

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Start with a Clean Slate

Just like Georgia did with this customer’s backyard, beginning with a clean slate allows you to envision a fresh, new design. Clear away any debris or old plants to make room for your new landscape. This blank canvas will help you plan the layout and decide where to place plants, pathways, and other features.

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Choose the Right Plant Material

Georgia focuses on a mix of evergreen and "dieback" plants in her design, providing year-round interest and seasonal color changes. Consider including standout plants like the "Peach Perfection Abelia" to add vibrant blooms and contrasting foliage. This blend of textures and colors can enhance the overall aesthetic of your landscape. This is very dependent on your garden and what your style is, which is why our designers are always happy to help recommend great plants and step into this process with you. 

Create an Interactive Space

One of the most unique aspects of Georgia's design is the interactive space she created with an irregular flagstone pathway. This allows this customer to leisurely walk through the landscape, enjoying its beauty and tranquility. When planning your own garden, think about incorporating pathways that invite exploration and connection with your outdoor space.

Consider Rock Beds Over Mulch

Georgia discusses her choice of a rock bed instead of mulch in the garden bed. Rock beds can add a low-maintenance element to your landscape while complementing the overall design. Unlike mulch, which typically needs to be replenished about twice a year, a rock garden cover generally requires little to no replenishment until 4-5 years after installation. Rocks also help with weed control and soil moisture retention, making them a practical choice as well. 

Add Personal Touches

Georgia's design is tailored to the customer's outdoor kitchen and lifestyle, showing the importance of personalizing your landscape. Think about how you use your outdoor space and what features would enhance your experience. Adding seating areas, fire pits, or water features can elevate your landscape to the next level.

Let Us Bring Your Vision to Life

While you can draw inspiration from Georgia's design to revamp your own backyard, our team at McDonald Landscapes is here to help you every step of the way. From creating custom designs to bringing them to life, our experienced landscape designers, including Georgia Replogle, can transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis.

Watch the full video above to see Georgia's design process and the amazing before-and-after transformation. If you're ready to start your own backyard transformation, contact us at McDonald Landscapes . Let's create something beautiful together! To keep inspired and grow with us, follow us on FacebookInstagramPinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!