Looking For "Easy" Plants? Try This Instead.
If I plant the same hostas that are ubiquitous in my subdivision because they're an "easy" way to fill a space, I lose the opportunity to create magic with a more unusual or interesting plant.
Every time I look for garden advice on the web, I see the same word over and over again: easy. Easy perennials, easy cut flowers, easy houseplants, easy vegetables. There's nothing wrong with wanting a plant that's easy, forgiving, or efficient. The problem is, if everyone is working from the same list of the usual suspects, it can lead to a lot of boring, look-alike plantscapes.
Boring and predictable assortments of plants go against one of the most common aims of a garden: interest. Have you ever stopped to think about why this matters? Humans actually need that element of fascination in gardens because it gives our brains a break, restoring focus and reducing our stress levels. If I plant the same hostas that are ubiquitous in my subdivision because they're an "easy" way to fill a space, I lose the opportunity to create that magic with a more unusual or interesting plant.
The longer I garden, the more I see that all plants need some degree of effort and care to be happy and healthy. So instead of solving for easy-ness, ask yourself: is this plant worth the effort to grow and maintain? The answer to this question will be unique to you and what you value in your garden, and it can change over time. If you're not sure, the only way to know is to try.
You can absolutely keep searching for easy plants, but don't make it the biggest factor. Solve for "worth it", dare to be different, and take the chance to create some magic.