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. 

According 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. 

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 

In 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.” 

UK’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 
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. Fairy 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