10 Low-Maintenance Side of House Landscaping Ideas You’ll Love
Have you ever looked at the neglected side of your house and thought, “This strip of land deserves better, but I can’t commit to a gardening relationship right now?” Well, you’re not alone. Sides of houses often get treated like forgotten leftovers—they’re there, but no one’s really paying attention. The good news? You can transform that space with minimal effort and upkeep. Here are 10 low-maintenance side-of-house landscaping ideas that might just become your new favorite chore-free sanctuary.
1. Create a Stone Pathway with a Twist
Stone pathways remain one of the simplest and most practical landscaping ideas. They require next to no maintenance and can instantly elevate the look of that side area. Opt for irregular flagstones or pavers for a more natural aesthetic, and fill the gaps with decorative gravel or moss for texture. For an extra touch, solar-powered pathway lights can illuminate the way without racking up your electricity bill.
Pro Tip: Use permeable pavers to improve drainage—perfect for preventing muddy puddles after rainstorms.
2. Go Green with Ground Covers
Ground covers like creeping thyme, Irish moss, or ajuga can replace traditional grass without the constant mowing. These hardy plants spread quickly, thrive in shaded areas, and keep weeds at bay. Plus, they add a splash of green that softens the hardscape elements around your home.
Real-Life Example
A homeowner in Ohio replaced a weedy, hard-to-maintain lawn strip on the side of their house with creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia). Not only did it cut their gardening chores by half, but it also added vibrant yellow-green hues all year long.
3. Opt for Mulch and Native Shrubs
Mulched beds with hardy, native shrubs are the epitome of low-maintenance beauty. Mulch suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and reduces watering needs. Combine that with shrubs like dwarf boxwood or hydrangeas, and you’ve got an effortlessly sophisticated look.
Bonus Idea: Cedar mulch not only looks great but also repels insects—ideal if you like to enjoy bug-free evenings outdoors.
4. Rock Gardens for Style and Simplicity
Rock gardens don’t demand much beyond the initial setup. Arrange stones of various sizes, and use drought-tolerant plants like succulents, yuccas, or sedums to add vibrant greens. This design is particularly effective on sloped sides of houses where erosion is an issue.
Pro Tip for Setup
Layer landscaping fabric underneath your rocks to prevent weed growth—an easy hack that saves countless hours.
5. Install Vertical Gardens for Narrow Spaces
When your side yard is short on space, think vertical. A living wall or trellis system can support climbing plants like star jasmine or ivy while requiring minimal square footage. This not only improves aesthetics but also improves air quality around your house.
Case Study
A couple in California installed a vertical herb garden along their home’s side fence. They now snip fresh rosemary, basil, and mint right from their garden—functional and fabulous!
6. Decorative Gravel with Potted Plants
Layering decorative gravel (in shades such as white or black) provides cleaner visuals compared to bare soil. Pair it with oversized pots featuring low-care plants like snake plants, cacti, or philodendrons. This combination offers flexibility since you can easily rearrange pots whenever you fancy a change.
Insider Tip: Choose pots with self-watering systems to make plant care practically foolproof.
7. Install a Low-Maintenance Water Feature
Even tucked-off spaces deserve some pizazz, and a small water feature can accomplish just that. A basic recirculating fountain or a self-contained birdbath adds soothing sounds without demanding too much upkeep.
Additional Benefits
Water features attract birds and beneficial insects, bringing an extra layer of life to your landscaping.
8. Use Hardy Perennials
Perennials are the gift that keeps on giving—you plant them once, and they provide joy year after year. For low-maintenance side-of-house landscaping, opt for drought-tolerant varieties like lavender, salvia, or coneflowers.
Example
One homeowner in Arizona turned their home’s shadiest spot into a low-maintenance lavender pathway. The fragrant blooms created a serene entryway while deterring pests like mosquitoes.
9. Create Privacy with Hedge Walls
If your side yard doubles as a walkway between houses, hedge walls are an elegant way to improve privacy while keeping things easy to manage. Consider slow-growing plants like arborvitae or holly for a formal look. Hedges provide noise reduction too—a win-win for homes near busy streets.
10. Low-Upkeep Lighting for Ambiance
Finally, elevate your side-yard appeal with strategic lighting. Durable LED or solar-powered fixtures work especially well along pathways or around decorative elements like planters and water features.
Quick Fact: LED lights consume 75% less energy than traditional bulbs, reducing long-term costs while providing a chic effect.
FAQs on Low-Maintenance Landscaping
1. What’s the easiest plant to grow on the side of a house?
Ground covers like creeping thyme or clover are incredibly easy to grow and require almost no attention once established.
2. How can I make my side yard look good without grass?
Use alternatives like gravel, mulch, or pavers. Pair them with hardy shrubs or vertical gardens for visual interest.
3. Are rock gardens expensive to set up?
They can be cost-effective depending on the materials you choose. Using locally sourced rocks and drought-resistant plants minimizes expenses.
4. Do I need professional help, or can I handle landscaping myself?
Most of these ideas are DIY-friendly. Start small and work your way up—there’s no need to tackle everything all at once.
5. What’s the best way to reduce weeds in a side yard?
Mulch and landscaping fabric are your best friends. Combined with hardy plants, they reduce weed growth naturally.
Wrapping It Up
The side of your house doesn’t have to be the landscaping equivalent of a forgotten sock under the couch! With these 10 low-maintenance ideas, you can transform that dull strip into a visually appealing and functional space without breaking your back—or the bank. Now, the only problem might be explaining to your neighbors why your side yard looks better than their front yard!
