How to Create a “Set It and Forget It” Landscape for Your Summer Travels

Summer is the season for adventure—but if you’re a frequent traveler, you know the worry that comes with leaving your garden unattended in the Texas heat. At Botanical Artistry LLC, we specialize in designing luxury landscapes that look stunning with minimal upkeep, so you can enjoy your time away without a second thought.

1. Choose the Right Plants

The foundation of a low-maintenance landscape is plant selection. Opt for drought-tolerant, native species that thrive in North Texas. Some of our favorites include:

• Texas Sage – Beautiful silvery foliage, purple blooms, and incredibly hardy.

• Lantana – Vibrant color, attracts pollinators, and tolerates heat and drought.

• Yucca and Agave – Sculptural, architectural, and almost zero-maintenance.

• Salvia Greggii – Long-blooming, deer-resistant, and thrives on neglect.

2. Mulch Matters

A thick layer of high-quality mulch (2–3 inches) helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps roots cool. Organic mulches like cedar or hardwood not only look polished but also enrich the soil as they break down.

3. Smart Irrigation

Invest in a programmable drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. Set timers to water in the early morning, and consider adding a rain sensor to avoid unnecessary watering.

4. Minimize Lawn Areas

Lawns are beautiful but require regular mowing and watering. Consider reducing turf areas in favor of groundcovers like Asian Jasmine, or hardscape features such as gravel pathways, stone patios, or decorative boulders. Ground covers are a great option for those heavily shaded areas that never grow grass anyways.

5. Install Edging

Defined edging (stone, steel, or brick) keeps mulch and beds tidy, reduces weed creep, and creates a polished look that lasts all season with minimal effort.

6. Simple Maintenance Checklist Before You Go

• Check your irrigation system for leaks or clogs.

• Top off mulch and water deeply before leaving.

• Trim back any fast-growing plants.

• Move containers to shadier spots if possible.

• Give everything a deep soak. In the hot summer months, extra hydration never hurts! 

7. Know When to Call a Pro

A professional landscape design can make all the difference. We specialize in creating custom, low-maintenance gardens that suit your lifestyle and travel schedule. From plant selection to irrigation installation, we handle every detail so you can truly “set it and forget it.”

Ready to travel with peace of mind this summer?

Contact Botanical Artistry LLC for a personalized consultation and discover how easy luxury landscaping can be