One thing I love about our landscaping is how full it is. That and the fact that I don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount of time there each season if I don’t want to. I’ve got my dad to thank for all the beauty we get to enjoy! Since I know not everyone has a Chuck in their life I thought it would be helpful to share some of his tips to creating a low maintenance landscape. Please keep in mind that by no means am I a garden expert. These are things I’ve learned along the way and what works here in Michigan.

Hostas

Hostas are shade lovers but with that being said they can survive Michigan full sun once adjusted! They thrive in moist soil with partial shade or even in a planter! While hostas don’t spread they grow larger each year and can be divided and replanted. There are a wide variety of hostas. I love to mix and match them together to create a layered look.

Daylilies

Daylilies have become my go to filler plant. I love the texture they create in between my hostas. Plus the added colorful blooms are a win! Daylilies grow best in partial shade to full sun, basically looking for 4-6 hours a day.

Ferns

Ferns love them some shade! They grow best in full or dappled shade. I love using ferns for the layering effect in shaded areas of our yard.

Hydrangeas

I have to say this is my favorite plant. Hands down! The flowers from hydrangeas make me happy all summer long and into the fall. Depending on the type of hydrangea they can grow in both the sun and shade. I love that you can cut hydrangeas and bring them into your home. What I’ve learned from mine is if you cut them too early in the season they don’t last as long. However, a later cut can dry out and last as a dried flower well into the fall season! 

Grasses

Ornamental and Garden Grasses are a great way to add color, texture, height variation and privacy to your landscaping. 

Pachysandra 

Hello ground cover! I love how Pachysandra grows and spreads so quickly. Pachysandra loves full shade, which is perfect to put in those hard to grow places! Think around the base of your trees. Their ideal condition is shade and they can grow up to 10 inches in height. When in partial shade and sun you can expect to see them grow less in height around six inches but they will still grow!

Boxwoods

I think it’s kinda hard not to love boxwoods. You can let them grow wild or shape them as you like. They can grow both in the ground and a planter! Once a boxwood is established in its location they can grow in both full sun to part shade. Another great thing about boxwoods is that they are very drought-tolerant for all my “oops… I forgot to water my plants” people out there.

Smoketree

I know now we are entering the world of trees but this one is pretty rad if you ask me. The purple smoke tree gets me every time. It does well in full sun and does well in almost any kind of soil. What’s cool about the smoke tree grows 13 to 24 inches each year.

Our backyard is full of wonder and I love the experience we get every time we are back there during this season. While the front yard is welcoming and lush! 

I am very excited to start our patio hopefully this summer. Make sure to follow along on the adventure over on social! 

Till next time!

Much Love –

Danielle