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What Is the 70/30 Rule in Gardening and Landscaping?

  • Writer: Barrow Landscapes
    Barrow Landscapes
  • Oct 30
  • 3 min read
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Image ©Copyright  / Landscaping done by Barrow Landscapes



When designing a landscape that feels balanced, intentional, and visually appealing, the 70/30 rule is a helpful guideline that many landscape designers rely on. Whether you’re planning a full backyard transformation or simply refreshing a flower bed, understanding this principle can help you create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and easy to maintain. You do not have to go by the 70/30 rule by any means; however it’s a good factor to take in consideration. Ask your local landscaper if they can help!


Breaking Down the 70/30 Rule


The 70/30 rule in gardening and landscaping suggests that:

  • 70% of your landscape should be made up of foundational, structural, or “ever-present” elements

  • 30% should be reserved for accent or seasonal features

  • Think of it like building a room:

  • The 70% provides consistency and stability—similar to flooring, wall color, or large furniture.

  • The 30% adds personality—throw pillows, art, and decorative pieces.


This balance keeps your landscape from feeling overwhelming or chaotic while still allowing creativity and color.


What Falls into the 70%? (Your Landscape Foundation)

This portion focuses on elements that stay in place year-round and require minimal change.


These include:

  • Evergreen shrubs and trees

  • Grasses or turf areas

  • Hardscape features like patios, walkways, or retaining walls

  • Mulch beds, borders, or groundcover


These components form the backbone of your landscape. They help anchor plant beds, define shapes and pathways, and provide structure during every season—even in winter.


What Falls into the 30%? (Your Accents and Seasonal Interest)

The remaining 30% is where you have room to bring personality, color, and movement into your outdoor space.


This includes:

  • Flowering annuals and seasonal blooms

  • Decorative potted arrangements

  • Colorful perennials

  • Garden art or focal points

  • Plants with striking texture or foliage


This is the part of your landscape that can evolve. Want to switch from warm fall tones to bright summer blooms? This is where flexibility shines.


Why the 70/30 Rule Works

  1. Consistency — The 70% keeps your yard cohesive and visually grounded.Ease of

  2. Maintenance — Too many high-maintenance plants can lead to frustration.Year-Round

  3. Appeal — Evergreen and structural elements prevent bare or empty-looking spaces in the off-season.

  4. Creativity Without Chaos — The 30% gives you room to experiment with color, style, and trends—without overwhelming your space.


How to Use the 70/30 Rule in Your Yard

  1. Start with StructureChoose the major shapes first—like garden beds, walkway layouts, and placement of trees or shrubs.

  2. Identify Your PermanentsSelect evergreens or long-lived perennials for the majority of your plantings.

  3. Layer in Colorful AccentsAdd annuals, decorative grasses, and flowering plants in clusters to create focal points.

  4. Step Back and ReassessYour space should feel balanced, not crowded or empty. Adjust with seasonal plants as needed.


Bring the 70/30 Rule to Life with Barrow Landscapes


At Barrow Landscapes, we design outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional crafted with long-term growth and seasonal enjoyment in mind. Whether you need full landscape design, maintenance support, or help selecting the right plants, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to transform your landscape?Contact Barrow Landscapes today to schedule a consultation.


Barrow Landscapes’ team specializes in outdoor landscapes, outdoor lighting, outdoor decor, outdoor structures, and more. Barrow Landscapes designs landscapes so that you can enjoy your outdoor space during those colder days ahead. Ask us about Barrow Landscapes 2D and 3D landscape designs.


Barrow Landscapes services Metamora, Germantown Hills, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton and surrounding areas. Contact Barrow Landscapes for all your landscaping needs.

Barrow Landscapes offers Hardscapes including Paver Walkways, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios to Softscapes including landscape plantings, lawn install and repair, and privacy plantings. Barrow Landscapes also offers landscape lighting and 2D and 3D landscape designs so their clients’ can visualize their dream landscapes with unparalleled clarity and confidence, making informed decisions bringing outdoor visions to life.


Call Barrow Landscapes at 309-370.6299 or visit BarrowLandscapes.com. Give us a call today or contact us to get your landscape visions started.



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