At a client meeting this week I was tasked with improving the front garden of a potential Airbnb property and it got me thinking; for rental property owners and Airbnb hosts a beautiful garden can be a double-edged sword; it adds undeniable charm and potential rent/booking value, but traditional gardens often require significant upkeep and thus are a considerable drain on money, time and natural resources.

All is not lost however, with a little planning you can create a low-maintenance garden that enhances your rental property or Airbnb, minimises time and effort for both property owners and guests and ultimately benefits the environment and provides a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.

Here are a few ideas to get you started. Please take note though, these pointers are not just reserved for rental/airbnb owners, they can be applied to anyone with a garden!

Consider replacing expansive lawns with attractive walkways, stepping stones, or low growing ground cover plants such as creeping Thyme or Chamomile. These options require minimal maintenance while adding visual interest. For easy care beds, opt for drought tolerant plants that reducing watering needs, such as Lavender, ornamental grasses and succulents, along with slow-growing plants that require minimal pruning, deadheading or splitting.

Creating a gravel garden will help with maintenance needs and suits drought tolerant planting, yet will still provide a beautiful space for guests to enjoy (more to come on gravel gardens soon). A slightly simpler method of mulching your garden beds will help to retain moisture, suppresses weeds and create a polished look.

Container gardens - for those areas where ground planting is not possible, can feature slow growing perennials or flowering shrubs to provide flexibility and visual interest. Upcycled containers or vintage finds, such as an old water tank or trough, add a touch of rustic ingenuity. Don’t be afraid to go big with the planters, they will hold more water and create a bigger impact.

Embrace sustainable practices by using reclaimed materials - not just for for planters, but for edging and paths. Encourage composting of domestic waste, so that it can be used again in the garden.

Capture rainwater in a barrel to reduce reliance on tap water, or invest in a user-friendly irrigation system like drip irrigation or soaker hoses and combine with timers for automated worry free watering.

By incorporating these tips you can create a beautiful low-maintenance garden; reducing the workload for you, maximising that all important curb appeal and ensuring your plants stay healthy even during tenant or guest turnover. Just ask Becky from Properties on Sea, the local expert in property management!

For further valuable insights on creating an eco-friendly and visually captivating garden visit The Society of Garden Designers website for a super ‘green and easy checklist’ (click here for the list) and if you have any of your own low maintenance success hints and tips, please post them in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.