Gardens and outdoor spaces are meant to be a source of enjoyment and relaxation, and many people view them as an oasis—a getaway from the glare of computer screens and blaring horns of traffic-jammed commutes. One way to maximize your outdoor space’s relaxation factor is to make it as low maintenance as possible.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Choose your plants wisely. If low maintenance is what you’re after, avoid filling your garden with plants, flowers, or trees that require constant pruning and attention. Low maintenance shrubs like spirea and flowers like daylilies are hardy, easy to manage, and have the added bonus of bringing color to your garden—one of this spring’s top trends. Planting perennials also saves you the time and effort of replanting each year.

Choose your hardscaping materials wisely. Whether it’s a pathway or a pergola, opt for materials that are durable, don’t flake or chip, and can go for long periods of time without maintenance or need of repair. In this situaiton it’s better to invest a little more up front on high quality materials that won’t break or show wear as quickly as cheaper alternatives.

Choose your systems wisely. Investing in a good irrigation system will save you time and effort almost daily. Set it on a timer and the system runs itself, saving you even having to think about it. You may experience an added benefit from installing an irrigation system in more efficient use of water which, over time, can cut your water bill.

Choose your activities wisely. There are numerous activities associated with maintaining your outdoor space. Do the ones that make you happy, and either find a way to reduce the need for the others or enlist the help of a professional landscaper to do the work for you. For example, many homeowners dislike having to constantly weed their garden, but mulching around plants and flowers can significantly reduce weed growth and the necessity of spending time on this activity.

You can increase your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces with a few wise choices to make them low maintenance. For more tips, help installing an irrigation system, or any landscaping need, consult a trusted professional landscaper.