Ever hear about the 70/30 gardening rule? It’s not so much a rule as a template for successful landscape and garden design — a framework that helps balance structure and spontaneity. As such, 70/30 is interpreted in various ways, such as the division of various plant types or the amount of planting space versus hardscape. Common 70/30 plans include:

Foundation Plants versus Ornamental: This flexible guide suggests using 70 percent structural, reliable plants to create the landscape “foundation” while incorporating 30 percent less permanent, ornamental fillers such as colorful annuals. This is perhaps the oldest interpretation of the 70/30 rule and it easily balances long-term stability with seasonal interest. 

To attain this “look” simply select trees and shrubs, particularly evergreens, that are durable and well adapted to the area where you live. Since these plants are typically larger in size, you won’t need a lot of them compared to the number of smaller plants needed to fill out the remaining 30 percent of the landscape. Plant similar shrubs in blocks of three-to-seven to establish a strong, grounded structure and a cohesive backdrop for other plants. Fill the remaining 30 percent of the landscape with colorful, structural or textural plants that lend seasonal interest, such as succulents, ornamental grasses, perennials or annuals.

Longevity versus Seasonality: A slight variation of the rule focuses on filling landscapes with plants that perform season-after-season for many years versus one-season plants. So, 70 percent of the landscape would be filled with evergreens, repeat bloomers and long-performing plants such as hardy perennials and ornamental grasses. Thirty percent of the garden would be unexpected pops of color and seasonal favorites, such as annual pansies, zinnias or chrysanthemums.

Native versus Non-Native: An alternative 70/30 rule supports having the larger part of the landscape planted in native plants that support wildlife with the smaller proportion planted in non-native plants. The non-natives could include annuals as well as well-adapted perennials, shrubs and trees, etc., as long as they are non-invasive plants.

Living versus Non-Living: Another adaptation of 70/30 devotes 70 percent of garden space to tried-and-true living plant species and 30 percent to hardscape elements, such as paths, patios, arbors, raised planting beds, water features, container plants and artwork. This type of structured outdoor space ensures that no matter what happens to various plants, there is always visual interest in the landscape.

Aesthetic versus functional: A guideline such as 70/30 can help to balance landscape aesthetics with the need for workspace and purpose-driven gardening. In other words, a homeowner might need to create curb appeal with trees, shrubs and lawn while also setting aside space for an outdoor kitchen or cut flower, kitchen or pollinator gardens.

Soil Health versus Routine Chores: A different interpretation of 70/30 focuses on the type of work that’s needed to create and maintain a beautiful, healthy landscape. Advocates propose 70 percent of the work be dedicated to improving soil health, such as incorporating compost and applying mulch. In this scenario, 30 percent of a gardener’s time would be spent on routine weed pulling, pruning, fertilizing and planting.

Benefits of 70/30 design schemes include creative flexibility within a pre-determined structure and the assurance that balance can be easily achieved. For many people, it is far less intimidating to start landscaping with a plan rather than a blank canvas.

Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster