The "best" low-maintenance plant depends on your local climate, but universally top-rated shrubs include the Boxwood (evergreen, structural, no pruning needed), Knock Out Roses (drought-tolerant, continuous blooming), and the Nellie Stevens Holly (fast-growing, deer-resistant privacy screen).
25 Low-Maintenance Shrubs for Your Garden
I'm talking so low-maintenance that they'll laugh in the face of your neglect.
The 70/30 rule in gardening is a flexible guideline used to establish a visually pleasing, resilient, and ecologically balanced yard. Depending on your primary focus, it generally breaks down into three common interpretations:
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs? Fall officially begins with the autumnal equinox in late September, and for most regions, this season offers the best time to plant trees and shrubs. The ideal planting window is about six weeks before the first hard frost, typically between September and November.
Hotter summers, extended droughts, and dry winds are becoming more common, and hydrangeas are paying the price. Gardeners from coast to coast report the same issues: leaves crisping and curling in early summer, stems wilting despite regular watering, and blossoms fading far too quickly.
To help guide your fall gardening to-do list, here are 10 common perennials you should avoid planting in autumn if you want them to thrive.
Certain plants should never be planted together because they compete for the same nutrients, attract the same pests, or release chemicals that stunt each other's growth. The most notable incompatible pairs include tomatoes and potatoes, onions and beans, and fennel with almost any vegetable.
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green that can be ready to harvest in just 20-25 days. It thrives in cooler temperatures and prefers partial shade. Sow the arugula seeds directly in pots or garden beds, and keep the soil evenly moist. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavour.
The "3-hour gardening rule" is a safety guideline advising gardeners to avoid working outdoors between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the summer months. This window is when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest and temperatures peak, posing risks for both you and your plants.
HARDY GERANIUM
Known for its striking dark foliage and vibrant blue-purple flowers, this low-maintenance perennial blooms profusely in late spring to early summer. Additionally, its compact habit and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a combo of easy care and good looks.
True 365-day bloomers are rare, but several plants can provide nearly 12 months of flowers under ideal conditions. The best options depend on whether you are growing them indoors or outdoors:
Research has shown that English Ivy can eliminate up to 78% of airborne mold within 12 hours. This makes it particularly useful in humid areas like bathrooms and basements where mold growth is more common.
The best year-round shrubs provide a mix of reliable foliage, seasonal blooms, and structural appeal. Top choices include:
The best year-round low-maintenance plants are resilient, handle inconsistent watering, and maintain their foliage across all seasons. Top choices include the ZZ Plant for indoors and Boxwoods or Sunshine Ligustrum for outdoor landscapes.
The "most beautiful" flowering bush is highly subjective, but crowd favorites are the Hydrangea (for massive, long-lasting summer blooms), Lilac (for intoxicating spring fragrance), and the Encore Azalea (for multi-season vibrant color).
Fastest growing plants for your garden:
October is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, conifers, and hardy perennials—or spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils—and if you're looking to sow cover crops or install lawns, now is the time for that as well.
The name “century plant” comes from the fact that the slow-growing plant takes years — although not 100 — to flower. The century plant, Agave Americana, is monocarpic, meaning it will bloom once in its lifetime. That bloom may not appear for 10, 20 or more years.
The "Three Sisters" is the most famous and efficient 3-plant combination. Rooted in Indigenous agriculture, this symbiotic trio maximizes garden space by working together to support, feed, and protect each other:
The "rule of 3" in landscaping is a design principle stating that grouping elements in odd numbers—specifically threes—creates a more natural, balanced, and visually appealing space than pairs or even-numbered arrangements.
The title "King of Vegetables" is highly contested and varies depending on culinary, cultural, and nutritional perspectives. Several prominent vegetables hold this title in different contexts, with Eggplant (Brinjal) and Potato being the most widely recognized claimants.
The classic plant that universally says "I love you" is the Red Rose. However, if you are looking for long-lasting houseplants or specific symbolic meanings in the Victorian language of flowers, there are several wonderful alternatives to express your deepest affections.
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
October is the prime time to plant spring-blooming bulbs, cool-season vegetables, and hardy perennials. The warm soil and cooler air allow roots to establish before winter. Popular options include spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils), brassicas (broccoli, kale), and root crops (carrots, garlic).