What if we told you that you didn't need to spend your precious Saturdays mowing the lawn, or remember to water the plants every few days? What if someone – or something – could do it all for you?
If you like the sound of a low-maintenance garden, where everything is magically taken care of, then you'll want to consider some of the smart devices below.
From robotic lawn mowers to soil moisture sensors, we've rounded up the cleverest garden upgrades that are well worth the investment – and how you can include them in your outdoor space.
1. Smart irrigation systems
We all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be, which can sometimes make it tricky to establish an efficient watering routine. That's where smart garden irrigation systems come in handy – they water your plants according to the conditions, rather than a generic schedule, ensuring they get exactly what they need.
"This not only reduces water waste but also encourages healthier root development by preventing both overwatering and drought stress," says Martin Chaplin, head of horticulture at Hedges Direct.
“They're especially beneficial for newly planted hedging, trees and shrubs, which rely on consistent moisture while establishing. Plants such as Portuguese Laurel, Cherry Laurel, Photinia and Beech hedging all benefit from regular watering in their first growing season, and smart irrigation takes much of the guesswork out of keeping them healthy.”
Before you set your irrigation system up however, make sure you know the best time to water plants so you don't waste water, or create problems with plant health.
This smart irrigation system adapts your watering schedule to the weather, measuring rainfall, humidity and wind levels.
Martin brings over 35 years of experience in the horticultural world, shaped by a lifelong curiosity and deep appreciation for plant diversity. He has worked alongside high-profile nurseries, growers, and specialist breeders, contributing to new plant releases and holding senior roles across retail, garden centres, and landscape supply.
2. Smart lighting
Whether it's for home security or aesthetics, good lighting design is essential in every garden – and smart bulbs make it even easier by allowing you to schedule when they turn on and off using your phone or voice.
In the same way that smart lighting systems work inside your home, "smart plugs can connect outdoor lights to devices via Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth, giving you control over when they are switched on and off, or allowing you to switch up the mood without getting up to do it manually," says Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends.
To make the most of your garden lighting ideas, ensure you understand the best landscape lighting techniques so that your smart lighting doesn't just save you time, but illuminates your garden in the best way possible.
Shop smart outdoor lighting
These smart-controlled string lights can glow any colour of the rainbow and can be set to a schedule.
Highlight your garden's best features with these app-controlled smart lights by Philips.
Sleek and stylish, these modern up-and-down wall lights can be controlled by your phone or voice.
Jon Saeed is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lighting Legends, a UK-based outdoor lighting company selling weatherproof lighting products.
3. Robot lawn mowers
Mowing the lawn isn't the most exciting job in the world, which is why more and more people are switching to robotic mowers. These clever devices cut your grass for you, leaving you with more time to enjoy your space.
We've tested a number of them here at Homebuilding & Renovating and they're usually met with approval, making them one of the items most of us would consider a must-have in a smart garden.
“For many households, robotic lawn mowers are a worthwhile investment because they maintain the lawn little and often, encouraging denser, healthier grass without the need for weekly mowing," says Martin Chaplin.
"The fine grass clippings are also left behind to naturally break down, returning nutrients to the soil and reducing the need for additional feeding."
While robotic mowers can be incredibly handy, Martin notes that they "work best in relatively simple gardens with clearly defined lawn areas".
This robot lawn mower comes recommended by one of our expert writers, Steve Jenkins, who praised its ease of use and affordable price tag.
4. Smart soil sensors
Often used alongside a smart irrigation system, or drip irrigation system, soil sensors let you know whether the ground is becoming too dry or is moist enough. They're a particularly good investment for valuable plants, giving you reassurance that they're not under stress.
“Many gardeners are surprised to learn that plants are often overwatered rather than underwatered, particularly in containers or after periods of rainfall," notes Martin Chaplin.
Using soil sensors can therefore help you take some of the guesswork out of understanding why your plants aren't thriving, helping you to establish if you have problems such as box blight, or if it's simply a case of too much or too little water.
5. Motorised shading
Every garden design needs a shaded area, but sometimes the hassle of winding a clunky parasol up and down is too much effort. The solution? A motorised patio umbrella or awning, like this one from Amazon.
"Motorised patio umbrellas allow you to effortlessly provide shade in your garden during heatwaves," says Jon Saeed. "Instead of struggling to wind them up and down, you can simply press a button to do it automatically – a far more hassle free solution."
Not only are they easier to use than manual parasols, but they also give you more flexibility in how long you keep them open. Other options include pergolas with roofs that can be opened and closed using power – rather than by hand.
Or, if you're happy to open and close by hand, but are looking to upgrade your decking ideas with a piece of smart garden furniture that performs multiple roles, this Kettler 3.3m Free Arm with Dual Tilt - Grey Frame / Grey Taupe Canopy from Robert Dyas, currently reduced by £143, offers shade, music and lighting in one.
“Ultimately, smart gardening technology isn't about replacing the gardener, it's about making routine maintenance easier," concludes Martin Chaplin. "By combining smart watering, soil monitoring and automated mowing, homeowners can spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time enjoying their garden."
For more ideas on making your garden functional, check out our guide to creating a garden design that works year round, and while smart garden lighting may save you time, make sure you understand the laws on garden lighting before you start scheduling it.
