Finding Balance in the Garden: The 70/30 Rule for Nevada County

Every gardener knows the thrill of planting something new—the anticipation of color, texture, or fragrance, and the hope that it will thrive. But in a place like Nevada County, where summer heat, winter chill, and unpredictable rainfall all play a role, gardening is as much about planning as it is about play. That’s where the 70/30 rule, made famous by Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, can be a real game-changer. It’s a simple idea: make about 70% of your garden reliable, long-lasting plants, and dedicate the other 30% to more seasonal, experimental, or ephemeral choices. The result is a garden that feels both steady and exciting—grounded in structure but still full of surprises.

Think of this portion of your garden as the anchor. These are the plants that carry you through the year, providing structure, texture, or color even when the showiest blooms have faded. In Nevada County, that could mean California natives like manzanita, toyon, or deer grass—all of which offer interest across multiple seasons while handling our hot, dry summers with ease. Hardy perennials like lavender or echinacea also fit the bill, as they don’t demand much and reward you with long stretches of beauty.

Fruit trees, too, can be part of this 70%. Apples and pears thrive in many parts of the county and bring both spring blossoms and fall harvests. Even shrubs like hydrangeas can belong in this group—they may not bloom forever, but their foliage and form keep the garden looking lush long after the flowers fade. The point is to choose plants that will keep your garden looking alive and interesting, not just for a few weeks, but throughout the year.

If the 70% is the backbone, the 30% is the spark. This part of your garden is where you get to experiment—add seasonal color, test out a new variety, or tuck in a plant you’ve always wanted to try. In fall, that might mean chrysanthemums or pansies for instant color. In spring, it could be tulips, daffodils, or California poppies. These plants don’t have to last forever; they’re there to delight you and give your garden personality.

Because Nevada County spans a range of microclimates—from lower, warmer elevations around Grass Valley to cooler, higher ones near Truckee—this 30% is also your chance to explore what works best in your own space. Maybe you try salvias that attract hummingbirds, or ornamental kale for a splash of fall and winter color. Some plants might not make it past one season, and that’s okay. The joy of the 30% is in the trying.

It’s easy to get carried away at the nursery, falling in love with plants that look amazing right now but may not hold up for long. The 70/30 rule helps keep things in check. By leaning on your reliable 70%, you ensure your garden always has a sense of continuity and doesn’t turn bare once those quick performers fade. Meanwhile, the 30% gives you the freedom to keep gardening playful. It’s a balance between dependability and creativity—a bit like having a steady rhythm with room for improvisation.

And there’s a practical side too. Nevada County gardeners know water is precious, especially during dry years. By choosing dependable, climate-suited plants for most of your garden, you cut down on maintenance and water use. The smaller 30% can be your indulgence zone, where you spend a little extra effort (and irrigation) if needed, without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking about what could make up your own 70% and 30% mix:

The Reliable 70% (structure and staying power):

Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) – evergreen native with beautiful bark and winter blooms.

Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) – red berries in winter, great for birds.

Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) – tough ornamental grass with year-round presence.

Lavender – fragrant, hardy, pollinator-friendly.

Echinacea (coneflower) – sturdy perennial with long-lasting flowers.

Fruit trees – apples, pears, or plums for beauty and harvest.

Hydrangeas – lush foliage and blooms that fade gracefully into fall tones.

The Playful 30% (seasonal color and experimentation):

California poppies – cheerful, easy reseeders in spring.

Tulips & daffodils – bright bulbs that wake up the garden after winter.

Chrysanthemums – classic fall color.

Pansies & violas – cool-season favorites for containers and beds.

Ornamental kale & cabbage – bold foliage that thrives into winter.

Salvias – hummingbird magnets with vivid seasonal blooms.

The beauty of the 70/30 rule is that it’s not rigid—it’s a guideline, not a prescription. Your 70% might be different from your neighbor’s, depending on sun exposure, soil type, and style. Some people love a backdrop of native shrubs and grasses with bursts of color from bulbs and annuals. Others may rely on fruit trees and perennial herbs, with seasonal flowers tucked between. However you interpret it, the rule keeps your garden engaging all year long, without demanding endless work.

So, next time you’re planning or refreshing your beds, think about balance. Ask yourself: which plants will give me lasting beauty and structure? Which ones will spark joy for a season, even if they don’t stay forever? In that mix lies a garden that’s both practical and inspiring—one that thrives in Nevada County’s unique climate and reflects your own creative spirit.