If you’re one of my long-time readers, then chances are you’re a busy mum juggling family commitments, work responsibilities, and a mountain of household chores. There’s no doubt you can relate to the ongoing overwhelm that comes from the millions-of-things that we each do for our families, and the millions-of-things that we don’t do for ourselves.

This post is for those of us who are in this exact position. In the fight for more time, I want to share a few tips that I’ve learned over the last few years, specifically around yard work.

Your yard plays a significant role in creating a welcoming space for relaxation and family activities. A beautiful outdoor area not only enhances your home’s curb appeal – it also offers a much-needed escape for you and your family (sometimes more so the back-yard rather than the front). Thankfully, with a few smart strategies in place, you can maintain a stunning yard with minimal detriment to your already busy lifestyle!

1. Smart Mowing Techniques

One of the most time-consuming aspects of yard work is mowing the lawn. Thankfully, with a few simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce the time spent sweating (and sneezing in my case!), behind a mower! One effective strategy is to keep your grass slightly longer. Longer grass requires less frequent mowing, as it grows more slowly. Aim for a height of around 7.5 to 10 centimetres; this will help shade the soil, retaining moisture and reducing the need for watering.

Another tip is to consider investing in a mulching mower. Unlike traditional mowers, which collect clippings in a bag or catcher, mulching mowers finely chop the grass and deposit it back onto the lawn. 

This not only eliminates the time spent on bagging the clippings but also nourishes your lawn with organic material, providing natural fertilisation that can keep your yard looking lush and healthy.

2. Low-Maintenance Plants

If you want to enhance the beauty of your yard without the hassle of constant upkeep, opt for low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants. Native Australian flora is a fantastic choice, as these plants are adapted to our local climate and require less water and attention.

Consider incorporating plants like kangaroo paw or lipstick lily. These are both visually striking and resilient. Ground covers, such as thyme or native grasses, can also serve to suppress weeds while adding low-maintenance texture to your garden.

By selecting the right plants, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape that thrives with minimal input, allowing you to focus on family time instead.

3. Efficient Yard Layout

An organised yard layout can take a considerable amount of work off your plate. You might want to consider incorporating hardscaping elements such as patios, decks, and pathways to break up large areas of grass and significantly reduce mowing time. Suitable ground covers can also complement hardscaping by replacing traditional lawns without sacrificing beauty.

A creative tip here is to try creating designated zones in your yard for different activities—like a play area for children or a relaxation zone with comfortable seating for you and the hubby! This approach will allow for more efficient use of space. 

The combined benefit here is that it will limit the areas you need to maintain (and save you time and effort for more important things), while also encouraging family engagement in the outdoor spaces you create.

4. Automated Lawn Tools

One of the more expensive (but more effective) time-saving tips, would be to consider purchasing a robotic lawn mower! These are a fantastic asset for busy families. 

These wonderful little guys can look like a bigger version of your robo-vac, and work similarly – they navigate your yard, mowing grass on a set schedule, while you attend to more pressing matters like family activities or getting some much needed me-time (let me just say that the bold and the beautiful reruns hit different, as does Queen of Tears for my kdrama fans!). Just set it up, and it’ll handle the rest – with minimal effort on your part.

Another fantastic option if you’re a fan of automation, (or if your partner knows how to landscape), is an automated irrigation system. This type of system can be programmed to water your plants and lawn at optimal times, to ensure they receive the right amount of moisture without you having to remember to do it manually. 

While investing in automated tools can be more costly when compared to the other options on this list, they DO save you a LOT of time while still promoting a healthy, maintained yard that enhances the beauty of your home.

5. Get a Professional and Delegate

The final item on this list will save you time, AND can actually be the best option if you have a yard that is different to the regular layout or type: Delegate the yard work to a professional! 

As an example; we actually have a water-logged back-yard that only dries out properly for maybe 2-3 months of the year. We recently found out that this was because our lot of land is sitting on clay! If you’ve ever tried maintaining a water-logged yard yourself, you’ve probably found out that it can actually damage your tools or mower – making this a very expensive task!

Definitely engage a professional lawn mowing and gardening service when you have a yard that’s a little more challenging to maintain. If your family is anything like ours, then preparing your lawn before the landscaper arrives, can become quality-time! Kids do eventually grow out of it, but until then, they can help with simple things like picking up sticks or raking dead leaves. Sharing the workload this way saves time, but it can also encourage curiousity and learning when it comes to nature and responsibility!

If you have older children, putting on some music or rewarding their effort with a family activity or outing (Friday-night fast-food for us!), can make the tasks feel less like chores and more like fun family time.

Professional services aren’t as expensive as you might think, and getting the family involved can actually enhance relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a beautiful yard doesn’t have to come at the expense of precious time with family or with yourself. By using things like smart mowing techniques, investing in low-maintenance plants, optimising your yard layout, and utilising automated tools, you can significantly reduce the time you spend on yard work. Moreover, by engaging a professional and involving your family in the preparation process, you can cultivate a beautiful outdoor space, while building enjoyable and memorable moments together! Reclaim your time while maintaining an outdoor haven for relaxation and enjoyment. If you have some other tips that I haven’t noted here, please leave a comment and let me know!