NEWS COPY
The latest UK garden research is out - and it's good news for the birds and the bees, but bad news for gnomes and fairies ...
Brits are turning their backs on garden gnomes, fairy statues and wind chimes in favour of bird feeders, bird baths and bee houses.
Plastic patio furniture was also voted a no-no, along with animal figures, windmills and crazy paving.
Solar lights and traditional hanging baskets topped a chart of the 20 most popular garden features in a survey of 2,000 UK adults by the makers of Jeyes cleaning fluid.
Only one in five gardeners felt their outdoor space was very tidy and over three quarters admitted it definitely needed work.
Jeyes spokeswoman Melanie Billows said: "People'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."
The average respondent racked up over five hours a week in the garden.
But one in eight doesn't actually enjoy spending time there because of the way it looks.
Six in 10 people said they were 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.
Melanie 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.
"With summer officially in full swing 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."
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
