Low Maintenance Outdoor Plants for Office Landscape Spaces: Greenery without the Hassle
It is undeniable that a well-designed outdoor space in office landscapes can be a real benefit to staff and visitors who use the space. Managing that space with low-maintenance outdoor plants that look good as well as require less tending on an ongoing basis is also a real consideration for most property owners to give them the greenery they need, without the hassle. Read on!
Being able to look out of windows and over a green space is as pleasurable as being able to sit out there for lunches, screen breaks and as a place to get some fresh air. It’s also great to be able to use outdoor areas of an office for staff socials, and for walking meetings with guests.If you are lucky enough to have a property that includes outdoor green spaces for the people who work in your offices, but that visitors to your site can also enjoy, you will have had to think about the plants that are in that space and how to maintain them.
In the modern workplace, the importance of incorporating nature into office spaces cannot be overstated. Indoor plants have long been lauded for their ability to improve air quality, boost productivity, and enhance employee well-being. However, when it comes to outdoor landscapes surrounding office buildings, the prospect of maintenance can often deter many from embracing the benefits of greenery. The solution? Low maintenance outdoor plants that bring the beauty of nature to your office landscape without the hassle.
Why Opt for Low Maintenance Plants?
Office landscapes are dynamic environments that need to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Low maintenance plants offer numerous advantages whilst losing none of the benefits of a beautifully designed office garden design.
We are experienced Commercial Landscape Contractors, accustomed to working on planting designs and landscaping designs of both property owners and garden designers, so we’ve picked up a number of ‘go to’ tricks over the years.
We understand fully the concerns of property owners when it comes to creating outdoor spaces that won’t turn into high-maintenance, and therefore high-cost, garden spaces to maintain.
- Time and Effort Savings: With busy work schedules, spending excessive time on plant care might not be feasible. Low maintenance plants require minimal attention, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of greenery without constant upkeep.
- Cost-Efficiency: Low maintenance plants typically require fewer resources such as water, fertilizers, and pest control measures, which can lead to cost savings in the long run.
- Resilience: These plants are often hardy and can tolerate varying weather conditions, making them well-suited for the unpredictable climate of the United Kingdom.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Even with minimal care, low maintenance plants can add charm and visual appeal to your office landscape, creating an inviting outdoor environment for employees and visitors.
Top Picks for Low Maintenance Outdoor Plants
Picking a good mix of plants for your landscape design that will offer year-round colour, texture, architecture and interest is a job that you might need the input of a garden designer, or an experienced landscape design contractor like SPA Landscaping. Here are some ideas on the sorts of plants that can be introduced into your planting schemes that can hold the look of your outdoor spaces together, without the need for constant attention from a full-time gardener.
- Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its soothing fragrance and vibrant purple blooms, lavender is not only low maintenance but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires little water once established.
- Boxwood (Buxus): Boxwood's dense evergreen foliage adds a touch of elegance to outdoor spaces. It's versatile and can be pruned to create various shapes. A yearly trim is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Sedums are succulent plants that come in a variety of sizes and colors. They're drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making them ideal for busy office landscapes.
- Yew (Taxus): Yews are slow-growing evergreen shrubs that offer a classic, formal look. They require minimal pruning and can adapt to various soil types.
- Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra): This ground cover plant is perfect for shaded areas. It forms a dense mat of glossy green leaves and requires little maintenance beyond occasional weeding.
- Bamboo: For a contemporary touch, consider bamboo. Clumping bamboo varieties are non-invasive and provide a natural screen or divider in outdoor spaces.
Caring for Your Low Maintenance Plants
While these plants are designed to be fuss-free, a little care goes a long way in ensuring their health and longevity. Even low maintenance plants need adequate water during their establishment phase. Once they're established, they need to be watered sparingly and only when the soil is dry.
Applying a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth. This is an activity that can be done in the autumn to help tidy up beds ahead of the long sleep of winter, or in early spring to help mulch over beds ahead of summer to prevent the soil from drying out.
While minimal, occasional pruning might be required to maintain the shape and health of certain plants which is something we always consider when putting together a landscaping scheme for our clients. Low maintenance plants generally have low nutrient requirements also, which is another factor we take into consideration. Plants that use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly also need fewer visits to maintain, and so we factor these into our regular grounds maintenance schedules, focusing on these needs of the plants so that you don’t have to.
Creating an inviting outdoor landscape around your office doesn't have to be a daunting task. By selecting low maintenance plants that thrive with minimal care, you can transform your office surroundings into a vibrant, green oasis. These plants not only enhance the aesthetics of the space but also contribute to a healthier, more harmonious work environment. Embrace the beauty of nature without the hassle, and let your office landscape flourish with ease.
Contact Us
If you are a facilities manager, property or land owner looking for a reliable ground maintenance team for either the renovation of your grounds, or are looking for a regular maintenance contract, get in touch with us.
Telephone: (0114) 269 9119
Email: info@spalandscaping.co.uk