Gardens remain a top priority for consumers finds study

Draper Tools has polled the nation on the best and worst trends for UK gardens in 2022 and taken a look at consumer priorities and spending habits when it comes to the garden. 

Robin on a spade handle as Brits are encouraging nature into their gardensAccording to the research, Brits are encouraging wildlife in their gardens with bird feeders and baths, hedgehog homes and bumblebee nest boxes. However, garden gnomes and artificial grass have had their day. 

The study of 2,000 adults with an outdoor space found more than one in ten describe their entire garden as “intentionally wild” in style to encourage biodiversity. Fruit trees, composting areas, ponds and greenhouses all appeared on the list of what people most like to see in a garden. 

But wind chimes, recycled old tyres, artificial topiary balls and anything painted in an orange wood stain are unlikely to be bought in 2022. 

Water features and “living walls” are also among the most popular garden trends at the moment, while fake animals, buddha statues and plastic ornaments are out.  

Investing in the garden 

Nearly a fifth of respondents (17%) admit they get inspiration for their garden by peering over their neighbour’s fence. DIY stores and garden centres were also cited as top sources of garden inspiration.  

In total, respondents estimate having spent an average of £1,732 per person on buying new bedding, plants, tools and other garden costs since they moved in, according to the OnePoll.com data. And it’s seen as money well spent, as 34% said spending on their gardens is a worthwhile investment. This is especially the case when it comes to garden tools, with more than a quarter of the nation saying that it was worth investing in quality tools. Gardening a priority for consumers

Two out of five people are actually planning to spend more on their gardens this year than they did last year. This is perhaps not surprising given that more than a third of people (36%) say their garden is their happy place. The same number admit that recent times have made them appreciate how important their gardens are.  

When it comes to what’s on the nation’s shopping list for the garden, 30% of gardeners have watering on the brain and are looking to buy a sprinkler or spray gun for the garden. A quarter of Brits are hoping to purchase a garden caddy or cart in future. And 16% want a lawn mower and just over one in ten are prioritising comfort and looking for a garden kneeler. 

Sustainable trends 

Kevin Smith of Draper Tools, which commissioned the research, said: “So many of people have got into gardening in recent times, and it’s fascinating to get an insight into what’s popular with consumers – as well as what’s fallen out of favour. 

“It’s great to see the number of people focusing on sustainability by growing their own food, composting, harvesting rainwater and encouraging biodiversity in their gardens. Hopefully these are long-term trends that are here to stay.” 

Other elements Brits are now turning away from in their gardens are hot tubs, perhaps as a result of rising electricity costs. Another 27% don’t like to see trampolines in gardens, and 15% consider topiary to be “over”. 

Escaping to the garden 

Gardening attracting nature and growing foodIn the summer months, adults spend nearly two and a half hours each week outside tending to their garden areas. 

Respondents say their top priority for their garden is simply having a place to relax (49%). However, just under a quarter (24%) say sustainability is their number one goal, and 31% want a space they can grow their own fruit and veg. 

Sheds remain popular with gardeners; 64% of Brits have one – but what’s inside certainly differs. While the majority of those polled (71%) use their shed for garden tool storage, more than a quarter use it as a space to do DIY. Two out of ten shed owners have turned theirs into a place to escape to – such as a “man cave” or “she shed”. While 16% have a pub in a shed and the same number have their home office in a shed.  

Smith added: “Our research has shown gardens clearly remain a top priority for many consumers. While there may be strong feelings on what exactly makes the perfect garden, the overarching trend towards creating a relaxing outdoor space that benefits nature is clear.” 

A lady with a bird box - encouraging birds into the garden a top trendUK’S TOP 40 GARDEN TRENDS FOR 2022: 

  1. Bird feeders 
  2. Planters 
  3. Birdbaths 
  4. Fruit trees 
  5. Hanging baskets 
  6. Lanterns/outdoor lights 
  7. Solar lighting 
  8. Vegetable gardens 
  9. Garden pathways/stepping stones 
  10. Herb gardens 
  11. Rainwater harvesting 
  12. Terracotta plant pots 
  13. Water features 
  14. Wild meadow area/growing of wildflowers 
  15. Raised garden beds 
  16. Successional gardening (ensuring there are plants are flowering all year round) 
  17. Decking 
  18. Rose gardens Terracotta plant pots popular with Brits
  19. Ponds 
  20. Composting areas 
  21. Greenhouses 
  22. Summer houses 
  23. Natural stone/minerals 
  24. Hedgehog homes 
  25. Trellises 
  26. Firepits 
  27. Glazed plant pots 
  28. Rock gardens 
  29. Bumblebee nest boxes 
  30. Immaculately trimmed lawns 
  31. Greenhouses 
  32. Naturalistic planting 
  33. Built in BBQs/outdoor kitchens 
  34. Pergolas 
  35. Repurposing household items to grow plants in – such as bathtubs, sinks and old bikes 
  36. Bird/animal box cameras 
  37. Palm trees 
  38. Pizza ovens 
  39. No-dig gardening – also known as rewilding (involves minimal interference to the garden) 
  40. Stripes in the lawn 

 

UK’S WORST 40 GARDEN TRENDS FOR 2022: 

  1. Fake grass 
  2. Plastic ornaments 
  3. Gnomes 
  4. Trampolines 
  5. Artificial topiary balls 
  6. Fake animal/bird statues (e.g. flamingos) 
  7. Buddha statues 
  8. Hot tubs 
  9. Recycled old tires as plant containers 
  10. Pub in a shed 
  11. Garden tiki bar 
  12. Shoe planters (a planter that looks like a shoe) 
  13. Garden GnomesFairy gardens (tiny mini gardens for fairies) 
  14. Ivy 
  15. Pretend bicycle planters 
  16. Anything painted with an orange wood stain 
  17. Brightly painted fences 
  18. Outdoors beanbags 
  19. Sonic animal repellers 
  20. Wind chimes 
  21. Repurposing household items to grow plants in – such as bathtubs, sinks and old bikes 
  22. Gas-powered barbecues 
  23. Crazy paving 
  24. Flowers that don’t smell very nice 
  25. Trees that drop leaves everywhere 
  26. Topiary (trimming hedges into shapes) 
  27. Decking 
  28. Over-pruned shrubs 
  29. Metal bird/animal/butterfly wall ornaments 
  30. Conifers 
  31. Patio heaters 
  32. Decorative crates 
  33. Firepits 
  34. Chimeneas 
  35. Ponds 
  36. Rattan furniture 
  37. Garden clocks 
  38. Plain lawns with borders around them 
  39. Garden kitchens (for adults) 
  40. Gazebos 

www.drapertools.com/gardentrends 

Categories