11 July 2022
Bira Direct supplier 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 admits 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 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
For more information on this Bira Direct supplier, look at Draper Tools page.
To find out more about all the benefits of product buying for independent retail businesses, visit Bira Direct
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