I provided a link directly to the correct folder for your photos.

You don't say specifically which tasks are a problem for you, so I'll assume from looking at the pictures that keeping the mulched areas weed-free is the most pressing. This is a good example of mulch being more work to maintain than lawn or densely planted areas.

For the sunny berm, removing the bed in front of the stone wall would help. Or, planting it very densely with low maintenance perennials or a groundcover, maybe a spreading evergreen. Alternately, removing that bed and the stone wall, and just keeping the bermed area behind it, and adding more groundcover or planting more densely to shade out weeds is another possibility.

For the other areas, I'd get rid of the stones and gravel, and do the same as for the berm: dense plantings, groundcover, or eliminate them and just mow the area. Any herbaceous plantings are going to require some maintenance in the form of weeding, mulching, and possibly dividing or deadheading. Daylilies are a good low maintenance plant, requiring little besides raking off the spent foliage in the fall, and pulling off the spent stems after flowering. Choosing cultivars that bloom at slightly different times could give you a nice, long lasting show. Ornamental grasses are another option, and they look beautiful in winter, too.

I would check the library for books on low maintenance gardens, or ask on the shrub or perennial forums, for plants that require little care once established. Those which spread to fill an area without being too aggressive are good choices, especially if you can mow right up to them.

Here is a link that might be useful: link

First, best wishes for dealing with your Parkinson's. I gather it is not always an easy row to hoe, so to speak.

As for your yard, I think I would begin in your situation by considering which of these areas, or which plants, or what aspect of the garden it is that is really important to you. If you simply want the property to look attractive and well-kept, I think your property would look fine with far fewer plantings. If there are some areas that are really important to you but are high maintenance, I would consider hiring someone to take care of them for you if you can, or asking a friend or neighbour to do it - many people would be glad to know of a concrete favour they can do for you.

KarinL

Here are a few thoughts about low maintenance - it's a topic I deal with pretty much on a daily basis with my design clients and nursery customers.

* Avoid plants that need regular pruning to keep tidy or to keep size in check. Everything grows and will need the occasional trim or haircut but avoiding sheared hedges and selecting and placing plants correctly based on their ultimate size will reduce this chore to the very infrequent category.

*There is a hierarchy of maintenance involved with plant types - the larger and longer lived, generally the less frequent maintenance will be required. Trees typically require less maintenance than shrubs, shrubs less than perennials and perennials less than annuals. The attribute of being evergreen will also significantly reduce maintenance. Edible and fruiting plants generally increase it. Avoid fussy, needy plants like roses or daphne, plants that are only marginally hardy or require winter protection and those that are prone to insect or disease problems.

*Invest in some low maintenance aids. An investment in an automatic or drip irrigation system is an excellent one. And the very best low maintenance activity you can do is to mulch your garden regularly. Not only does this help to reduce watering needs but a regularly applied mulch will help to keep weeds in check and an organic based mulch will reduce the need for frequent fertilizing. Whatever you do, avoid bare soil. If you don't mulch, plant low, spreading plants like groundcovers to cover the soil surface.

* Reduce planted areas. The more you have planted, the more you must maintain. A large, generous, paved terrace or patio decorated with a couple of easily managed containers can increase your enjoyment of your outdoor areas with far less work on your part.

* If you are financially able, hiring a landscape company to do routine maintenance may be the way to go. Often just a monthly or bimonthly visit is sufficient to keep the beds edged, the shrubs well groomed, leaves raked and the weeds at bay.