NEWS COPY
New research by Jeyes, the outdoor cleaning specialists, has found hanging baskets, wooden patio furniture and a hot tub are just some of the items that Brits believe would help create their perfect garden.
The study of 2,000 people explored the aesthetic ins and outs of Britain's outdoor spaces and found time may be up for sundials and windmills in the garden - both are now seen by many as out of fashion.
But having a gazebo, some fairy lights or a green house is still very desirable. Those dreaming of their perfect garden say they would see the back of white plastic patio furniture and would ideally replace it with wood or rattan style, while swinging seats and tarmac drives are very much out, results showed.
Wind chimes, garden gnomes and fairy statues were deemed a no no, as were weather vane and bamboo accessories according to the results of the survey.
The research also found just a fifth of gardeners felt their own garden and outdoor space was very tidy, while over three quarters of Brits said their outdoor space definitely needed work.
Yesterday Melanie Billows from Jeyes said: "A person's pride in their home extends beyond the four walls and our survey shows that Brits have a passion for fashion when it comes to their gardens and outdoor spaces, with clear views on what they consider to be in - or out - of style."
Stone animal ornaments and love seats are also no longer trendy the study found.
But ceramic pots, summer houses, decking and parasols are all included in the vision of a perfect garden.
And birds will always be at home in any garden, with bird baths and feeders firmly on the list of desirable garden items.
The average person studied racks up over five hours a week spending time in the garden.
But one in eight doesn't actually enjoy spending time in their outdoor space because of the way it looks, results showed.
In fact, six in ten homeowners are embarrassed by the state of their garden.
Perhaps that can be explained by the fact that when asked for their opinions on gardening, Brits were most likely to describe it as 'hard work'.
Weeding and cutting the flowers and grass are the gardening jobs people are most likely to let slide the quickest.
Billows added: "For many people the garden is an extension of the home and with the range of cleaning products available it's never been easier to get your garden looking its best. Now is a great time to invest a few hours in sprucing up your outdoor space so you can make the most of it whether you are relaxing or entertaining this bank holiday."
GARDEN ITEMS - WHAT'S IN
1. Solar lights
2. Hanging basket
3. Bird feeders
4. Wooden patio furniture
5. Patio heater
6. Ceramic pots
7. Summer house
8. Metal patio furniture
9. Gazebo
10. Manicured lawn
11. Bench
12. Greenhouse
13. Bird bath
14. Decking
15. Parasol
16. Water feature
17. Hot tub
18. Block paved drive
19. Built-in barbecues
20. Stake lights
21. Rattan furniture
22. Playhouse
23. Garden candles
24. Trampoline
25. Jacuzzi
26. Bee house
27. Electric lanterns
28. Fairy lights
29. Metal garden sculpture
30. Corner furniture
GARDEN ITEMS - WHAT'S OUT
1. White plastic patio furniture
2. Gnomes
3. Windmills
4. Crazy paving
5. Fairy statues
6. Swinging seat
7. Tarmac drive
8. Wind chimes
9. Bunting
10. Vintage station clock
11. Stone animal ornaments
12. Deck chairs
13. Roman numeral clock
14. Sundial
15. Lamp posts
16. Love seat
17. Rose arch
18. Weather vane
19. Chinese lanterns
20. Bamboo accessories
ENDS
Garden Trends - Press Release
