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As temperatures begin to rise, many homeowners are already dreaming of long afternoons and evening drinks spent relaxing in the garden. But for plenty of people, the thought of constantly mowing lawns, trimming borders and battling weeds can quickly take the fun out of summer.

Now, TV gardening expert Katie Rushworth believes the secret to the "perfect" summer garden is actually doing less rather than more. Partnering with Wickes for a new online Summer Garden Guide, the esteemed gardening presenter is encouraging Brits to embrace what she calls the "70/30 rule".

According to Rushworth, around 70 per cent of a garden should remain "managed", with neat borders, mown pathways and maintained outdoor areas. The remaining 30 per cent, however, can be left slightly wild with longer grass, wildflowers and natural habitats designed to support 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 allowing parts of the garden to grow naturally can actually reduce maintenance while improving biodiversity. Features such as log piles, wildflower patches and less frequent mowing may also help attract pollinators and hedgehogs into outdoor spaces.

This reflects wider guidance from wildlife and gardening organisations across the UK. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, leaving sections of lawns unmown can encourage bees, butterflies and other important pollinators while reducing the need for constant upkeep.

The RHS also notes that slightly longer grass can cope better during dry summer weather compared to heavily cut lawns, helping gardens stay greener for longer during heatwaves. Wildlife-friendly gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years as more homeowners look for lower-maintenance outdoor spaces.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife Trusts says even small changes such as allowing grass to grow longer or planting wildflowers can significantly boost biodiversity in urban gardens. Conservation experts stress that gardens collectively play an important role in supporting declining insect populations.

The philosophy behind the 70/30 rule forms a central part of Wickes' new Summer Garden Guide, which focuses on creating high-impact gardens that require less work to maintain. Rushworth also shares additional advice on outdoor entertaining spaces, planting choices and practical low-maintenance garden ideas.

Online gardening communities have increasingly embraced "wild gardening" trends in recent years, with many homeowners moving away from perfectly manicured lawns. Experts say the shift reflects growing awareness around biodiversity, sustainability and creating gardens that are easier to enjoy rather than constantly maintain.