LifestyleGardeningGardenTV gardening expert Katie Rushworth has shared her secret behind the 'perfect' garden11:49, 20 May 2026As the mercury climbs, countless homeowners are already fantasising about lazy afternoons and evening tipples as they unwind in the garden. Yet for many, the prospect of endlessly cutting grass, tidying borders and wrestling with weeds can swiftly drain the joy from summer.‌Now, TV gardening expert Katie Rushworth reckons the key to the "perfect" summer garden is actually doing less instead of more. Teaming up with Wickes for a new online Summer Garden Guide, the respected gardening presenter is urging Brits to adopt what she terms the "70/30 Rule".‌According to Rushworth - a regular on ITV’s Love Your Garden - roughly 70 per cent of a garden should stay "managed", featuring tidy borders, trimmed pathways and well-kept outdoor spaces. The other 30 per cent, though, can be left somewhat wild with longer grass, wildflowers and natural habitats created to encourage wildlife.‌She explained: "Your garden should be somewhere you want to spend your summer - morning coffee, long lunches, evening drinks. Don't stress about keeping every inch perfectly maintained - the whole point of summer is to relax and enjoy it."Rushworth added that permitting sections of the garden to flourish naturally can actually cut down on upkeep while boosting biodiversity. Elements such as log piles, wildflower areas and less regular mowing may also help draw pollinators and hedgehogs into outdoor spaces.‌This mirrors broader recommendations from wildlife and gardening bodies throughout the UK. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests that leaving portions of lawns unmown can attract bees, butterflies and other vital pollinators while cutting down on continual maintenance.The RHS also points out that slightly longer grass can withstand dry summer conditions more effectively than closely cropped lawns, helping gardens remain greener for extended periods during heatwaves. Wildlife-friendly gardens have grown increasingly fashionable in recent years as more homeowners seek lower-maintenance outdoor areas.Article continues belowMeanwhile, the Wildlife Trusts says even modest adjustments such as letting grass grow longer or introducing wildflowers can substantially enhance biodiversity in urban gardens. Conservation specialists emphasise that gardens collectively serve a crucial function in supporting dwindling insect populations.The thinking behind the 70/30 rule forms a key element of Wickes' new Summer Garden Guide, which concentrates on creating high-impact gardens that demand less effort to maintain. Rushworth also offers further guidance on outdoor entertaining areas, planting selections and practical low-maintenance garden concepts.Gardening enthusiasts online have increasingly adopted "wild gardening" approaches in recent years, with numerous homeowners stepping away from immaculately trimmed lawns. Specialists suggest the movement demonstrates rising consciousness about biodiversity, environmental responsibility and developing outdoor spaces that are simpler to appreciate rather than perpetually upkeep.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Royal Horticultural SocietyHeatwavePeriodsGardenGarden CentresGarden CentreGarden PartyGardeningProperty Servicesproperty newsExpert Advice