i have an almost foolproof gardening method. plant only no-care bushes-like knock out roses, or crabapple trees, and only perennial flowers. bury a soaker hose in a zigzag just under the soil. cover everything with mulch. give yourself an easy to get to faucet control and you are good to go for years. every few years you may have to replace the soaker hose, but they are cheap and the channel is already there. pay someone to dig up the bulbs every couple of years-- they can replace the soaker while they're there. have pots with the more fragile annuals and have them next to your door. that makes them very easy to water. isn't this fun!!