What homeowner wouldn’t want a lush and colorful garden just outside the window? But while a garden definitely boosts your home’s curb appeal, it also claims a lot of your free time. There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free garden, but choosing smarter plantings does cut down on the amount of pruning and watering required. So, the next time you plant, try some of these lovely options that take care of themselves. Then get ready to enjoy your new landscaping—from the comfort of your porch swing.

  1. Ribbon Grass



  2. Forsythia


    Forsythias are early bloomers whose yellow flowers signal the start of spring. To ensure your forsythia is in top form, you’ll want to prune the bush occasionally and plant it in full sunlight.

  3. Hosta




  4. Texas Ranger


    The vibrant lavender, purple, and magenta blooms of a Texas ranger may look like they take some work to care for—but we won’t tell the neighbors your secret. This hardy plant is built to survive on little water, so all you need to do is plant it in full sunlight, and water during the summers or in times of drought.

  5. Yew



  6. Black-Eyed Susan



  7. Bottlebrush Buckeye


    In Zones 5 to 9, bottlebrush buckeye does well in full sun or deep shade, so long as it gets enough water. Disease-free and rarely needing a prune, the slow-growing shrub can reach an impressive height of about 15 feet. In late spring and summer, its white blooms attract attention from birds, while in autumn, its lush foliage turns a beautiful gold.

  8. Fescue


    Homeowners have long turned to fescue as a drought-resistant alternative to traditional grass. If you’re not ready to make the switch, try it out in your garden bedinstead.

  9. Bergenia




  10. Sedge


    With a variety of different sizes, textures, and growing requirements, sedge is an ideal alternative to turf lawns. These low-maintenance plants thrive in Zones 7 to 10, whether in partial or full shade, and require little to no mowing, fertilizing, or watering.