UK DIY News

B&Q Research Reveals Brits 'Don't Know Where to Start' With Creating Their Dream Garden

The average Brits’ dream garden is 48 feet long, south facing – and contains a vegetable plot and a hot tub, it has emerged.

Researchers who carried out a detailed study also found a cosy seating area, a barbecue and a lush, green, well-kept lawn are also essential.

Other must-have elements include decking or a patio and a summer house.

Entertaining throughout summer proved important, as 41 per cent required a socialising space, which explains why a drinks bar and a pizza oven also made the top 20.

When not hosting, 45 per cent described their dream garden as being ‘tranquil’ and over half felt it must look tidy and organised.

On average, Brits reckon it will cost a whopping £1,770 to achieve their ultimate garden.

Steve Guy, market director for Outdoor at B&Q, which commissioned the research, said: “With Brits spending a significant amount of time enjoying their outdoor spaces during the warmer months, it makes sense they’d want to create a space to be truly proud of.

“Whether it’s a fun area for entertaining or a tranquil spot with lots of greenery, Brits need to remember that to have their ‘dream garden’ come summer, the groundwork needs to start in spring.

“The research shows that almost half of us worry the journey to a dream garden would take a serious toll on their wallet and believe it will set them back by an average of £1,770.''

The research also found one in three begin prepping for the spring and summer months in March - and spend on average 10 hours getting the outdoor space ready.

Brits spend five and a half hours in their garden during the average summer week leading to one in 10 revealing it is the ‘most important’ aspect of their home.

Four in five said they would spend more time outside if they had their dream garden and almost one third admitted their current garden makes them 'sad' at how unkempt it looks.

Over half want plants and flowers in their backyard with the most popular including lavender, daffodils and roses.

A further six in 10 said having colourful flowers makes them feel happier while 57 per cent enjoy their outdoor space more when plants are present.

Three in 10 also want their own vegetable patch, with over half wanting to grow their own strawberries, followed by tomatoes, apples and blueberries.

Of those who do grow their own produce, 45 per cent said it gives them a sense of achievement and over one third find it makes them enjoy their garden more.

When it comes to seeking inspiration for outdoor space, the majority go to garden centres, while one quarter feel influenced by television shows and one in 10 even take ideas from their neighbours.

The top reasons holding Brits back from achieving their ideal outdoor includes not having enough space and not knowing where to start.

Almost half said they think they can’t afford their dream garden, while one-sixth admitted they don’t have the creative vision to bring it to life, according to the OnePoll study.

Top 20 things Brits want in their dream garden:

1. Flowers

2. Plants

3. Cosy seating area

4. Decking/patio area

5. Large lawn

6. A garden path

7. Summer house

8. Bird feeder

9. Pollinating plants

10. Vegetable patch

11. Barbecue