Common Sense Gardening commissioned consumer research to learn more about the 'Shape of British Gardening in 2021'.
Interviewing a representative sample of over 2,000 people, the study reveals the attitudes and habits in the garden today and uncovers trends that will shape gardening in the years ahead.
A Nation of Gardeners
With the arrival of the pandemic, people have had the time to become more green thumbed than ever before. No longer just the pursuit of an older generation, a younger more urban audience are now discovering the benefits of nurturing and growing in their own green space, in pots or herb gardens.
Close to 90% of householders engage in some forms of gardening in their outdoor spaces, with 75% of households gardening at least monthly through the season. Furthermore, 56% of people have gardened more since the pandemic, with over 20% stating a definite commitment to keeping up the hobby.
Ben Shapiro, Chairman of Common Sense Gardening commented: “The research shows that we are indeed a nation of gardeners, and people’s new found love of growing is seemingly for life and not just for lockdown”
Mental and Physical Wellbeing
85% of all people who do at least some gardening activity state reasons for their gardening which relate to enhanced mental & physical wellbeing.
Ben Shapiro said: “It’s great to see that people are finding joy in the process of gardening. Only 7% of those surveyed say that they garden purely to keep their garden under control – people are finding many more positive reasons to dig in."
Sustainability, biodiversity and the environment
People are thinking about the environmental impact of their gardening more with 77% of people consider sustainability when gardening, and 72% are actively promoting biodiversity in their garden with bird feeders, a pond, herb/vegetable patch or a bug hotel. This is consistent with the finding that 75% of people feel it is important to attract wildlife into their garden. Over half of the population consider their gardening as having more than just an ornamental impact: 49% of respondents grow their own edibles, and when buying plants 50% consider its ability to attract wildlife.
Ben Shapiro said: “Gardeners are exploring ways to play their part in protecting and enhancing the environment, whether it’s through growing their own produce, encouraging biodiversity or being more mindful around pest management and responsible disposal.”
Dave Bench, Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association, said: “One of the important objectives of the Common Sense Gardening group is to promote responsible use of garden products and it looks like gardeners understand this. people report using garden care products in an integrated approach to pest control, with over 50% controlling pests and weeds by hand.”