Cheap, low maintenance plants for backyard

[Nina Diehl]

Hi,

I am readying my first investment property for a long-term tenant. Today, I worked on the backyard. It’s a small, fenced space behind a townhouse unit. There are two strips meant for a garden but they are basically bare, as the previous owner passed away 3 years ago. I weeded them out and they look very lonely. Is it worth planting some cheap plants in there?  Should I just allow the tenant to use this as their own garden?  If I plant something, any ideas for cheap and low maintenance plants or shrubs?

[Eshe Harvey]

Congrats on your first investment-love that you are already thinking about the outdoor space. It really depends on your tenant type and what kind of vibe you are trying to set. If your tenants are long-term and into gardening, giving them a clean, open space to make their own could actually increase their sense of ownership and care. Below is a list of a few low Maintenace plants you could look up and decide on: 

Cheap Low maintenance plants:

Hostas-thrive in shade, hard to kill 

Daylilies - very low Maintenace and colorful 

Lavender - smells amazing and natural bug repellent 

Boxwoods- evergreen, easy to trim and classic 

Black-eyed Susans -bright, cheerful, low effort 

Sedums - drought tolerant and looks clean all year- round 

Include a small patch of open soil if you want to offer tenants the option to garden, gives them flexibility without locking you into upkeep 

Also, Mulch is your best friend, its cheap, neat, and help control weeds while keeping the yard looking fresh. If it is a rental, keeping it simple and clean is your best move. A few touches go a long way without turning it into a project you will constantly have to manage.

Hope this helps!