[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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Ever hear about the 70\/30 gardening rule? It\u2019s not so much a rule as a template for successful landscape and garden design \u2014 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:<\/span><\/p>\n Foundation Plants versus Ornamental<\/b>: This flexible guide suggests using 70 percent structural, reliable plants to create the landscape \u201cfoundation\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n To attain this \u201clook\u201d 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\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Longevity versus Seasonality<\/b>: 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Native versus Non-Native:<\/b> 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Living versus Non-Living<\/b>: 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Aesthetic versus functional: <\/b>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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Soil Health versus Routine Chores:<\/b> A different interpretation of 70\/30 focuses on the type of work that\u2019s 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\u2019s time would be spent on routine weed pulling, pruning, fertilizing and planting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ever hear about the 70\/30 gardening rule? It\u2019s not so much a rule as a template for successful landscape and garden design \u2014 a framework that helps balance structure and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n A pocket garden may be small, but it can make a mighty impression due to its versatility. It\u2019s attractive, yet functional. For example, a pocket garden can provide edibles, such as herbs, vegetables and fruit. It may serve as an alternative landscape that replaces thirsty turfgrass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or it could benefit the local ecosystem by providing food and nectar for pollinators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pocket gardens are much more than a design technique for small spaces. They sometimes occupy a niche in an even larger garden or landscape. The concept is simple; plants may be added in small, unexpected ways and tucked into almost any space. Pocket gardens generally serve a specific purpose and the plants in the space must serve that purpose. Examples include lining a sidewalk, hiding utility boxes or attracting hummingbirds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pocket gardens allow gardeners to brighten underutilized or spare spaces with pops of color and texture. For instance, planting flowers instead of grass in the \u201chell strip,\u201d which is the overheated narrow space that runs between a sidewalk and the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like any other garden space, a pocket garden may include containerized plants, creative accessories, lighting, water features or hardscape elements, such as walkways. Included elements should be sized appropriately to the garden\u2019s scale. The idea is to enhance and support the garden, not to overpower it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Countrywide, pocket gardens are being increasingly utilized by homeowners in neighborhoods with small lots where the front yards are valued real estate worth reclaiming. They are also a notable trend in towns with tight water restrictions. These waterwise gardens are often planted with native plants including wildflowers, ornamental grasses and perennials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pollinator gardens are also in demand, but homeowners often struggle to find the right place for nectar and host plants in the typical lawn and foundation style landscape. Pocket gardens are the perfect solution to this dilemma. To start, carve out a small section of lawn and replace it with milkweed, native perennials and nectar-producing annuals. You may accomplish this by extending an existing foundation bed, adding a \u201cfloating island\u201d or expanding an existing mulched bed that surrounds trees\/shrubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A kitchen garden is suitable for pocket gardening. First, identify an unused area easily accessed from the kitchen. Create a square foot garden (2x2, 4x4, etc.) by removing turf and weeds and improving the soil. And then tuck in a few favorite herbs and veggies. A trellis or tomato cage will increase your crop capacity by adding vertical space. Learn more about square foot gardening at squarefootgardening.org.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost any garden hobby can be practiced in a pocket garden. Do you love creating fairy gardens? Collecting succulents? Cultivating exotic tropicals? Creating floral bouquets? The possibilities are limitless while your commitment is limited. If your interest wanes, the space is easily converted to some other type of gardening space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the contrary, if space is not an issue, a pocket prairie can be rewarding. It is an area devoted to native prairie plants, such as grasses and wildflowers. The \u201cpocket\u201d is a large area that is integrated into a bigger space, such as a large backyard. Learn more at wildflower.org.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardenpatch"],"yoast_head":"\n