(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The sunny weather is finally beaming down on my yard, ready for a summer of relaxation and hosting. But, with warmer days comes a building sense of dread that my yard actually looks in bad shape. The winter weather wasn't kind to my shrubs and flowers, but that doesn't mean there isn't hope for vibrant blooms and vivid green grass, as long as I put in some work.In fact, I've been trying hard to supercharge my yard with money-saving ideas like the potato peel hack and even boiling a few eggs to help my plants thrive. The trouble is, I don't have much time, and it's almost too hot right now (the temperature just hit 89°F where I live) to put in the effort.If that also sounds a bit like you, then this hack I've found called the '70/30 rule' is all about making your yard lovely by doing less. Here's how it works.How does it work?
(Image credit: Shutterstock)The '70/30 rule' was kindly brought to my attention by British home improvement retailer, Wickes, in collaboration with TV gardening expert, Katie Rushworth. Launching the online 'Summer Garden Guide', they've keenly shared their expertise through a variety of top tips. One of which is this clever rule.As Rushworth explains: "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."I often recommend following the 70/30 Rule: keep around 70% of your garden ‘managed’ — clean lines, mown paths, neat borders — and let 30% go ‘wild’, with long grass, log piles for hedgehogs, and wildflower patches. This balance keeps your garden beautiful, biodiverse, and easier to enjoy without constant upkeep."So, instead of stressing out about what the entire yard looks like and building a list of overwhelming chores that, once the sunshine hits, you just don't feel like doing, do 70% and leave the other 30% to look after itself in a wildly natural way.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Fortunately, Rushworth has a few more tips to share that make the 70% feel a little more achievable, too. Because, to me, 70% still feels like a lot.1. Start with a simple summer resetFortunately, the sunny weather is a great catalyst for yards to thrive. The sunny weather and longer days are an optimal environment for a lot of plants. But, Rushworth says, you should "focus on keeping it thriving."For this, she says: "Now is the time to deadhead spent flowers, top up and feed the soil, tie up taller plants, and stay on top of pests and weeds." And we've also put together a handy guide on the 5 plants you should never plant near your patio if you want to avoid pests.2. Design your garden for evenings, too
