You've heard about minimalism in the context of interior design. And you're at least glancingly familiar with home organizers like Marie Kondo espousing the virtues of purging and decluttering closets and kitchens. Less known, however, is that the same strategies can be put to work in the garden.
Just as minimalists do indoors, taking a no-fuss approach to your outdoor space can lead not only to a more intentional-looking yard, but one that you'll have significantly more time to enjoy. Here's how to up the simplicity -- and lower the maintenance -- of your garden.
Rein in your ambition
If you're in the design stage, you may have big dreams about a pond, arbor, greenhouse and all else, but these features cost a significant amount of money, time and maintenance. Instead, create a plan that includes only your most basic needs, either with a professional or on your own. "Define the purpose of the space," says Joshua Becker, author of "The Minimalist Home." "Ask, 'What is this space supposed to be? What do I want it to accomplish?' That helps us decide what to keep, and helps it function the way we want it to function."
Maybe you want a place to enjoy dinner, a lawn for the kids or pets or just a view of interesting plants to please the eye. Whatever it is, create that first. Then, in a later phase, you can add less important features. If you're not sure what those are or how to prioritize them, brainstorm a list, then rate each one on a scale of 1 to 5 in terms of how much work they'll require and how happy they'll make you. I advise my own landscaping clients to do this when they're feeling overwhelmed. The obvious winners are features that require little work (1 to 2) but have a high happiness value (4 to 5). These might include a pre-made trellis or a bubbling birdbath. You can always install high work/high happiness features if you really want to, but be realistic about the costs and time upfront.
Declutter
In a yard that already contains a lot of elements, decluttering should be your first mission. To start, Becker says, look for the largest, easiest things you can remove. "Furniture you don't use, decorative items you don't use, bushes you don't like, et cetera," he says. "Look for the easiest wins so you can start to see the progress you're making. That will motivate you to do more."
Also, clear weeds, and trim shrubs and perennials. This will allow you to focus on problem areas, such as bare spots and dead or dying plants, or the rotting shed that should come down. Once you assess the scene, make a list of what needs to be changed. If you have a chronically weedy area, generously plant ground covers like carpet bugle or blue star creeper to deter weed growth. If you're tired of trimming the same unwieldy hedge every year, consider removing it and installing a fence. Give away that worn statue or chipped pot. Be ruthless.
Restrict your plant palette
Avoid impulsively buying a random assortment of pretty but unfamiliar plants. Resist splurging on marginally hardy or rare specimens. Instead, stick with the "greatest hits" that you know thrive in your area. Shrubs such as spirea, hydrangea and euonymus do well in most U.S. zones, as do perennials such as day lilies, phlox and false indigo. Natives are even better. If you're unsure, ask the staff at your local nursery for recommendations. Remember, a cohesive design uses repeating patterns, so feel free to buy multiples of the same plant rather than a jumble of different colors and sizes.
Use one-in/one-out rule
If you have an established garden, stick to the tried-and-true minimalist rule of only buying a new plant when an old one has expired. And be mindful when shopping. "Everything you bring in is more you have to commit to taking care of and tending," Becker says. "You're trading your time, so ask yourself: 'Do I want to spend time doing that?'" This is especially true for higher-maintenance plants that need a lot of fertilizer, water or pest management.
Stick to the plan
If you're building a garden from scratch, create a design with a list of plants and materials, and don't veer from it unless an expert advises you to. You can designate a few spots for impulse buys, but stick to that number once you're at the store. It's important to plant the right plant in the right place, so note your sunny, shady and partly shady areas when crafting your design, then research which species prefer those conditions. Universities and public gardens with plant databases such as the U-Conn. Plant Database or Missouri Botanical Garden are reliable resources, as are regional gardening books. If you're still unsure, note what already grows well in similar areas of your or your neighbors' yards. Last, take photos and ask for a nursery employee's advice.
For the mature garden, embark on new projects only after your current garden feels manageable. And take care to consider your options -- for instance, you might love the look of a weeping cherry tree, but it will require annual pruning and is often susceptible to pests and disease. An eastern redbud, on the other hand, will give you similar pink flowers but with less maintenance.
Ultimately, if you make some mistakes, forgive yourself. Peter Walsh, author of "Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life," says: "I've found, with organizing, perfection is the enemy of happiness, and seeking to be perfect is a quick road to constant unhappiness. Accept imperfection. Do the best you can with the tools you have."
Set a time limit
Just as professional organizers recommend setting a timer to declutter, you can set a timer to tidy the garden. This is particularly useful if you feel overwhelmed by all there is to do. "A timer is an excellent idea as it establishes a clear start and finish time," Walsh says, "and it can help establish a routine."
If you work in the garden for 20 minutes every day, you can break what might feel like an overwhelming project into manageable tasks. By the weekend, you might not have much left to do.
Appreciate your work
The biggest benefit of a simple garden is that it'll allow you more time to actually enjoy it. Read a book outside, play with the kids, cut some flowers, listen to a ballgame, whatever makes you happy.
"It might sound strange," Walsh says, "but I'd recommend scheduling time to simply 'be' in your garden: time to think, to reflect, to meditate and simply enjoy the space." So, sit back, take a deep breath, and remember how special it is that, in our noisy world, you can enjoy a peaceful moment in nature.
Karen Hugg is a certified ornamental horticulturalist and the author of "Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants." Find her on Instagram karenhugg.