Starting a new garden is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to gardening or just trying to get your outdoor space looking great quickly. so, if you’re looking for low-maintenance, easy plants to grow that can make your garden shine with little effort, you’ve come to the right place, these are some of my favourites. Here are some easy plants for a new garden from Becky Searle, author of the new book Grow a New Garden.
These plants will flourish with minimal care and give you a beautiful outdoor space in no time. Plus, most of them can easily be grown from seed, or bought as small plants in spring.
Easy plants to grow in a new garden
Whether you’re starting a garden from scratch in a newly built home or revamping an existing space, choosing the right plants is crucial. You must first know the conditions that you have in your garden, and then try to grow plants that will enjoy those conditions.
Even easy plants like good soil
Don’t panic, it’s not actually that hard to improve your soil. Focus on small areas, like raised beds to start with an add as much organic matter as you can. All you need is several inches in a layer on top is perfect, this is called a mulch. Mulching helps to improve drainage in the soil and areation meaning that your plants’ roots can breath, and they won’t get waterlogged. It also helps to decompact the soil over time. Additionally, it’ll help to feed your plants naturally. There is no need to dig it in, just let the soil do the work for you!
So, let’s dive into the world of easy-to-grow plants that will bring colour, texture, and interest to your garden without all the hassle.
Rudbeckia Goldsturm: Easy Plants to Grow for a Burst of Golden Sunshine
Rudbeckia Goldsturm, also known as Black-eyed Susan, is an absolute favourite when it comes to easy plants for a new garden. This perennial produces vibrant golden-yellow flowers with dark centres, and it blooms from late summer into autumn. It’s perfect for beginners, as it thrives in most soils and requires very little maintenance once established.
Rudbeckia Goldsturm loves full sun, so plant it in a sunny spot for the best display. It’s also a magnet for pollinators, so you’ll get the added bonus of bees and butterflies visiting your garden. If you’re looking to add some striking colour to your garden with little effort, Rudbeckia is the way to go.
Verbena Bonariensis: Tall, Elegant, and Low Maintenance
Verbena bonariensis is another fantastic choice for those looking for easy plants for a new garden. With its tall, slender stems and clusters of purple flowers, it adds a sense of elegance to any garden. So this perennial is perfect for filling gaps between other plants, offering vertical interest without taking up much space.
Verbena bonariensis thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and it can tolerate dry conditions once established. It’s incredibly easy to grow and requires little care, making it a great plant for busy gardeners or those just starting out. Plus, it attracts bees and butterflies, bringing more life to your garden. It’s easy to grow from seed, and will spread in your garden to, though its easy to keep in check. What I love about this plant is that it adds some movement to a garden too, which is relaxing and beautiful.
Roses: Timeless Beauty with Minimal Effort
Roses may sound like a tricky plant to grow, but there are many varieties that are surprisingly easy to care for. Look for disease-resistant varieties like Rosa ‘The Fairy’ or Rosa ‘Bonica’. These require less attention and give you that classic rose beauty without the fuss. Roses are one of the best plants to grow if you have problems with slugs and snails as they are largely resistant to these pests.
Roses are perfect for adding structure and formality to your garden, and they also make excellent cut flowers. Choose a variety suited to your garden’s size and growing conditions, and you’ll have beautiful blooms for months to come. They do best in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, they need only a bit of pruning to keep them in shape. Climbing roses are also excellent at adding height in a small space, or giving you some privacy over a trellis.
Geums: Easy Plants to Grow for Gardens with Pests
Geums are a wonderful addition to any new garden. With their bright orange, red, or yellow blooms, they add a cheerful touch to the garden and are perfect for planting at the front of borders. These hardy perennials thrive in a variety of soil types and are easy to grow, even for beginners and slug-resistant, making them perfect for new build gardens.
Geums are perfect for sunny or partially shaded spots and are incredibly low-maintenance. Once planted, they need very little attention apart from occasional deadheading to encourage more flowers.
Thalictrum: Light, Airy Foliage with Beautiful Flowers
Thalictrum, also known as meadow rue, is a great choice for gardeners looking for a plant that offers both beauty and ease. With its delicate, feathery foliage and small, star-like flowers, Thalictrum adds a light, airy feel to the garden. It can be grown in both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different areas of your garden.
Thalictrum prefers moist, well-drained soil but isn’t too fussy once established. It’s a great plant for adding texture and movement to your garden without requiring much care. Plus, its unusual flowers and foliage will give your garden a distinctive look.
Salvias: Easy Plants to Grow for Colour and Pollinators
Salvias are a must-have for any garden, especially for those looking for easy-to-care-for plants that provide plenty of colour. These wonderful plants come in a range of colours, from deep purples to vibrant reds, and their spiky flowers are loved by bees and butterflies. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for sunny spots.
Once established, Salvias require very little attention. They’re drought-tolerant, largely pest-resistant, and will continue to bloom throughout the summer, providing long-lasting colour. So they’re perfect for adding a pop of colour to borders or containers and are great for new gardeners who want something low-maintenance. Preferably, opt for variteties like ‘Hotlips’ and ‘Royal bumble’ that are the most robust growers.
What plants are good for a new build garden?
New build gardens often have poor soil and little established structure. Look for plants that are adaptable, easy to grow, and can thrive in a range of conditions. Some great options include Rudbeckia Goldsturm, Verbena bonariensis, Geums, and Salvias. These plants are hardy and can cope with a variety of soil types, making them perfect for a newly established garden.
What are the best low-maintenance plants for gardeners?
If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants, focus on perennials that require little care once established. Some excellent options include Rudbeckia Goldsturm, Geums, and Salvias. These plants are not only easy to grow but also provide long-lasting colour and interest throughout the growing season. Additionally, consider planting in well-drained soil and sunny spots, as this will help reduce maintenance.
How can I make my garden look good with no money?
Making your garden look good on a budget is completely possible with a little creativity. Start by focusing on easy-to-grow plants like those mentioned above. Many of these plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings, which is a cost-effective way to fill your garden. You can also repurpose old containers, make your own compost, and use natural materials like gravel or wood chips to create paths or borders. Over time, your garden will fill in and mature, and the results will be well worth the effort!
Growing a new garden
If you’re ready to get started and make your new garden the envy of the neighbourhood, check out my new book, Grow a New Garden. It’s packed with tips, tricks, and advice for creating a garden that works for you—without all the stress. Happy gardening!
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