Unless we’re chatting with the next-door neighbor, dragging something from the garage to the back yard or mowing the lawn, many of us don’t spend too much time hanging out along the side of the house. And while it’s easy to let that part of our property go “boring,” there’s really no reason why we should.

Although you and your family may not spend as much time along the side yard as you do in the back, that part of your property may be noticeable from the street – and how it’s viewed is a reflection on you and your tastes. And if that’s not enough to get you caring about the state of your side yard, remember these two little words: curb appeal. Real estate agents are especially attentive to this term, as well as what it means for their clients. And rightfully so, because “curb appeal” is at the top of the list when it comes to what homebuyers look for in a landscape.

“I know, but I have a hard time keeping up with the front and back yards as it is,” you think. “I don’t have time to add to my outdoor maintenance tasks.”

Enter this easy and elegant succulent garden design.

Creating a succulent planting bed is a great option for the busy home gardener. Not only do succulents offer unique interest with their unusual foliage and incredible textures, they’re naturally drought-tolerant beauties that won’t mind being ignored from time to time if given the proper growing conditions. What’s more, you don’t need to live in the desert or semi-arid regions to grow them! Given the wide variety of succulents available today, there are at least a few that will work for you and your location, no matter where you live.

In this design, a curved stepping-stone pathway connects the driveway to your succulent garden, encouraging guests to peak around the corner to see what awaits them. The simple curve of the path continues beyond the stones, along the edge of the planting bed, offing a gentle, restful presence to the garden, as well as added interest.

But it’s not just the shape of your planting bed that will get people to take notice – the plants themselves will bring attention, too. Upright, mounding and trailing succulents have the amazing ability to bring unique dimension, texture and form to any garden. So imagine what they can do when planted in groups!

Even if you don’t have a side yard, you can alter this design plan to create a succulent garden off your patio, deck or in a planting bed in the front yard. By picking the appropriate plants for your location (sun-loving species for sun-loving areas, etc.) and following this design concept, your succulent garden can make any boring or forgotten part of your property anything but!

Remember, when you shop for plants, pick the ones you like that match the functions identified on the plan!