Use the right tools for the job.
On a steep, hard-to-mow slope, build terraces to break the slope into steps.
Reduce lawn to mow, and use low maintenance ground cover, or install decking.
Plant inclines with groundcovers.  Creeping thyme is good and very fragrant.
Use a mulching lawn mower.  Remember grass clippings are high in nitrogen, and our plants love it.

Time Saving Tips
There are many timesaving ideas to keep in mind.  They can help you keep your maintenance down, by designing and caring for your yard a little bit at a time.
Don't struggle with sparse, weedy grass weeding, under trees, surround trees with beds of shade loving plants.
Choose disease free insect resistant, trees and plants.
Choose plants which do not have messy droppings, such as seedpods, sap, or large flowers.
Avoid using sharp angles or fussy curves when planning flower beds.  It makes mowing around them easier.
Keep a Journal that will tell you from one year to another what you have done to your property, what works and what doesn't.
 

Now lets be practical.  Everyone wants a beautiful garden and landscape, and they want it yesterday.  Many go out and purchase hybrids that will grow at fantastic speeds. never once giving thought of the consequences.

For example, think of how large some of your planting choices, will be at full maturity.  Will they need continual pruning to keep from creating damage to your property?  Will they grow over drives and walkways?  Will they block the view from your windows, or make entering your doors difficult?  Scary thought but, can a burglar hide behind them?  Think ahead!

Consider the maintenance that will be involved.  For landscaping, start only with your large "foundation" plants.  Use dwarf varieties around your walkways,
and buy perennials, or bulbs instead of annuals.  This saves you time and money, as they come back every year, as bulbs also multiply each year

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