Low Maintenance Perennial Herb Garden
You’ll often hear me emphasize the importance of consistency in gardening. But what if your schedule doesn’t allow for regular upkeep? Don’t worry—you can still enjoy a thriving kitchen garden! The key lies in being intentional about your plant choices. Some herbs and plants are naturally low-maintenance and don't require frequent harvesting and pruning, making them perfect for a garden that needs to flourish with minimal intervention.
The Challenge
Our North Fork Long Island client approached us with an intriguing challenge. Each summer, they rent out their picturesque oceanfront cottage perched on a cliff for seven weeks while they visit family in Europe. During this time, their beautifully planted kitchen garden is faced with harsh seaside conditions, receives minimal maintenance, and come spring, transforms into a tangled mess of mint and self-seeded veggies.
The Solution
To address this issue, we crafted a DIY planting plan focused on sun-loving, low-maintenance perennial herbs and vibrant zinnias. These choices not only ensure a thriving garden but also provide a visually appealing and productive space.
The Plan
Perennial Herbs: These hardy, low-maintenance plants thrive in full sun and require minimal care, making them perfect for a garden that will need to fend for itself at times. Some excellent choices include:
Thyme: A versatile herb that spreads easily and requires little water.
Oregano: Known for its resilience and aromatic leaves.
Sage: A hardy herb that can withstand various conditions.
Rosemary: Prefers sunny spots and has drought-tolerant properties.
Lavender: Not only is it beautiful and edible, pollinators adore this aromatic addition.
Zinnias: These bright, cheerful annual flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color to the garden. They are also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for our client’s summer rental period. Plus, they attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, a feature that deserves more than an afterthought.
Cool Season Greens for Fall: Once the zinnias have had their season in the sun, they will be replaced by cool-season greens like spinach and lettuce. This ensures that the garden remains productive and attractive well into the cooler months.
In Your Garden
To personalize this design to fit your preferences, consider these modifications:
Monochrome Elegance: Swap the zinnias for Strawberry Blonde Calendula to create a stunning, cohesive look. The soft, peachy hues of this calendula variety will blend beautifully with the green foliage of the herbs, providing a sophisticated touch to the garden.
Warm Weather Greens: For additional harvests throughout the summer, consider planting arugula instead of the zinnias. Arugula is a hardy green that thrives in warm weather and adds a peppery punch to summer salads.
Timing
Implementing this plan is straightforward and can be done with minimal effort:
Spring through early summer: Plant the perennial herbs and zinnias in well-prepared, sunny garden beds.
Summer: Let the garden thrive with minimal intervention. The chosen plants are resilient and will continue to grow with little care.
Fall: Replace the zinnias with cool-season greens like spinach and lettuce to extend the garden’s productivity into the cooler months.
This DIY planting plan ensures that the garden remains beautiful and productive with minimal maintenance, even during periods of extended absence. Our North Fork client can now enjoy their time in Europe without worrying about returning to a garden in disarray. Instead, they will come back to a thriving, well-planned space ready for the next season’s growth.
