Mastering the 70/30 Rule

A Simple Strategy for a Beautiful, Balanced Garden

Gardening is as much an art as it is a science. While every gardener has their own style and preferences, there are a few timeless principles that can guide anyone—beginner or seasoned green thumb—to success. One such principle is the 70/30 Rule for Gardening, a smart strategy that helps create visually appealing, low-maintenance, and seasonally vibrant gardens.

What is the 70/30 Rule?

The 70/30 rule is a design and maintenance philosophy that suggests:

70% of your garden should be made up of structural or foundational plants—evergreens, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials that provide year-round shape, form, and foliage.

30% of your garden should consist of seasonal or accent plants—such as annuals, flowering bulbs, and temporary plantings that add splashes of color and interest during specific times of the year.

This balance ensures your garden remains attractive even when seasonal flowers fade.

Why Use the 70/30 Rule?

1. Year-Round Appeal

By emphasizing structure and greenery, your garden avoids the "empty" or "bare" look that can come with seasonal changes. Even in winter, evergreen shrubs or ornamental grasses provide life and form.

2. Lower Maintenance

Foundational plants usually require less frequent replacement or replanting than annuals. This means less work, fewer expenses, and a more sustainable garden over time.

3. Design Cohesion

Too many flashy plants can make a garden feel chaotic. The 70/30 rule brings visual harmony by grounding the design with consistent elements while still leaving room for creativity and seasonal flair.

4. Easier Planning

When laying out a new garden bed or redesigning your space, the rule offers a clear starting point. Focus first on your backbone plants—then pepper in accents to add personality.

How to Apply the 70/30 Rule

Step 1: Start with the Backbone (70%)

Choose plants that:

Stay in the ground year-round

Offer structure, shape, or foliage

Require minimal seasonal upkeep

Examples:

Boxwood, lavender, rosemary (for shrubs)

Coneflower, daylilies, hostas (for perennials)

Bamboo or miscanthus (for ornamental grasses)

Step 2: Add the Highlights (30%)

Select plants that:

Bloom seasonally or add bursts of color

Can be rotated or replaced annually

Reflect your personal taste and creativity

Examples:

Marigolds, petunias, pansies (annuals)

Tulips, daffodils (bulbs)

Decorative containers or hanging baskets

Step 3: Reevaluate Seasonally

Each season, review what’s thriving and what’s not. Adjust the 30% seasonal plantings to freshen up your garden without disturbing the foundational 70%.

Bonus Tip: The 70/30 Rule for Soil Health

Some gardeners apply the 70/30 concept to soil management:

Spend 70% of your effort building and maintaining healthy soil (through composting, mulching, and organic amendments).

Spend 30% on plant-specific care like watering or fertilizing.

After all, great gardens begin with great soil!

Final Thoughts

The 70/30 rule isn't a rigid formula—it’s a flexible framework that helps balance beauty and practicality. Whether you're designing a new landscape or refreshing your flower beds, keeping this rule in mind can lead to a more enjoyable and rewarding gardening experience.

So next time you're tempted to fill your cart with a rainbow of blooms, pause and ask: What’s my 70%?