When travel writer Nikki Webster built a lake house on 2.5 acres last year, she removed all of the grass and put coquina, sedimentary rock composed of sand-size fossil debris, in the front and back of the property. She added pampas grass as an accent and a podocarpus hedge.

"This was all deliberate," she says. "We've lived here for years, and trying to maintain grass is a constant battle. We did not want to maintain a sprinkler system." Webster's landscaping routine now consists of occasionally pulling weeds and raking the coquina.

She's not alone. Homeowners and landscapers know lush greenery looks pretty but can be time-consuming and expensive to maintain.

"The good news is, there are a wide variety of low-maintenance plants that you can add to your landscaping plans," says Dan Bailey, president of WikiLawn Lawn Care, an online resource for lawn and garden gurus. From barbery to hosta to succulents, you can create a worry-free landscape without sacrificing curb appeal.

*Bushes, Shrubs and Grass

"Shrubs are a great way to add some color to your lawn throughout the year," says Ann Remo, founder of the home and garden blog Blooming Anomaly. "Having a variety of shrubs allows you to enjoy plenty of green and flowers in your garden all year long." Most woody plants need little upkeep, aside from pruning one to four times a year. They provide extra shade and privacy for your property, too.

"I recommend barberry, as its thorny exterior makes it a great choice for security," says Bailey. "Place it beneath windows and rest assured it will keep both deer and intruders away." Barberry has either orange or red blooms. It is also drought- and deer-resistant.

Ornamental grasses such as fountain grass can offer visual appeal all year long with little effort. They are drought-tolerant and pretty to look at.

*Flowering Plants

Add some life to your yard with low-fuss flowers. Bailey suggests periwinkle, which is available in a variety of colors. "It will need minimal watering and tending to keep it vibrant and healthy," he says.

Consider the Texas ranger, which boasts purple and magenta blossoms, and thrives on lots of sunlight and little water. The lavender Rio Bravo Texas ranger is a pretty choice that requires little pruning.

Other uncomplicated flowers include any variety of hosta, which has yellow and green leaves and is hardy in many climates; coneflowers, which are pink and purple, long-blooming and drought-tolerant; and catmint, also known as Cat's Pajamas, which has indigo flowers and is versatile for borders, flower beds, paths and more.

*Trees

Trees are a staple in landscapes, but some are easier to grow and maintain than others.

The hawthorn tree is a favorite of landscapers. "It's easy to maintain and adds an attractive focal point to your landscaping," Bailey explains. "It also grows fairly quickly, so if you're planting a younger tree it won't take decades to reach its potential."

Magnolia trees, which have colorful blooms, are another option. They are very adaptable to different temperatures and don't require much pruning.

*Succulents

Succulents are a very popular choice for landscapes. "Succulents come in all shapes, sizes, and colors," says Remo. "These plants are great to grow in lawns that are located in warmer climates. They require just a little water and minimal maintenance."

Whereas cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Peanut cacti are much desired for their red blooms and fingerlike shoots. They're hardy in many temperatures and well suited for a rock garden.

Before you plant anything, research the foliage you have your eye on and make sure it will thrive in your region.