The right plants
Choose perennials that return annually: ornamental grasses, lavender, geraniums, sedum. Avoid plants requiring frequent pruning or staking.
Ground cover against weeds
Ground covers suppress weeds naturally. Combine with mulch for extra protection.
Less lawn, less work
Lawn requires weekly mowing and fertilizing. Consider replacing parts with gravel or ground cover.
Smart paving
Use large tiles with narrow joints or semi-paved surfaces like gravel.