Ask any Realtor, landscape and curb appeal are important to buyers. How many hours do we spend making sure our yards are appealing, inviting, and complementary to our homes? I grew up on a farm with a Mom who could grow anything, unfortunately I did not inherit her skill. As a military spouse I have found myself faced with numerous gardening challenges as my family has moved from the rich soil and abundant rain of Virginia, to the year round season of southern California, the sandy soil of coastal North Carolina, the desert of Arizona and now am struggling to understand the aggressive garden pests of Florida.

Being organically disadvantaged and faced with differing garden challenges every three years, I have picked up a few tips to make my efforts as rewarding as possible. First and foremost, be realistic about your time commitments and abilities, you can't have the gardens of Versailles with an hour of work a week. I myself, do not have the time, or inclination to be in my garden for several hours each day, but I have still been able to create an inviting, appealing yard.

Check out your neighbors, note the yards that you envy, then note how much time they spend working in them. Ask them about particular plants, how much maintenance they require, any special techniques needed to keep them healthy and attractive. Research, research, research. Talk to local nurseries, read books, look around. Choosing plants appropriate to your particular growing season has numerous benefits for the lazy gardener. It cuts down on your cost, not having to replace poorly performing plants and by making careful selections in plant material and location, you cut down on maintenance and fertilization requirements.

Start your garden smartly. Invest a little extra time and money when beginning your garden. Buy good planting soil and make sure to properly clear your planting area, and lay a quality weed block. The extra effort with your initial preparations will pay huge dividends later.

Don't be afraid to utilize potted plants in your landscape. A potted plant, with good potting soil, can be much easier to maintain and decorative pots add tremendous architectural interest and color. Plus, you can't kill a pot, it always looks good. Container gardening can be perfect for the unsure gardener, one tomato plant doesn't require near as much work as a patch!

Use a good mulch and edging. Mulching will help fertilize your plant, or help your plant retain water, depending on area needs and material selection. And of course, mulching cuts on your weed pulling. I also always make sure to have a little weed and feed, or weed spray on hand. It's much less time consuming to put in a little effort as soon as you notice the first few signs of weeds in your beds then to wait until you have to clear an entire area.

Try to use perennials as much as possible. Annuals are just that, annuals. You'll be replanting them every year. Where as a perennial will continue to return, and look beautiful year after year.

Bottom line, the most important tip for having a beautiful garden with minimum effort, or ability is planning. Know what works well in your area, what requires the least effort and maintenance. Once you are equipped with information, plant smart. Give your plant a great place to live and it'll perform well for you with minimum work.

Learn more about this author, Julianne Havens.
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