12 Surprising Facts About UK Gardens and What We Do in Them
Are we eager to weed? Or longing to lounge? What do we want from our outside space? The latest Houzz research reveals some interesting facts
Gardening is so last century! Today, outdoor living are the buzz words when it comes to how we use our garden space. These were the findings of the 2016 UK Houzz Landscaping Trends Survey, carried out in March this year. Almost 1,000 UK homeowners who use Houzz were quizzed about their outdoor projects, whether planned, underway or recently completed, to gain a snapshot of our aspirations and living habits when it comes to our outside space. The results are revealing, but one trend seems strong: we all want to put away the gardening gloves and instead create a place for lounging and entertaining, whatever the weather.
We’re focusing on the big stuff
The Houzz survey found that the majority of people working on their outdoor space are tackling meaty projects. An impressive 90% were taking on structural elements, 82% were focusing on outdoor systems and equipment, while another 80% were getting to grips with their beds and borders.
The Houzz survey found that the majority of people working on their outdoor space are tackling meaty projects. An impressive 90% were taking on structural elements, 82% were focusing on outdoor systems and equipment, while another 80% were getting to grips with their beds and borders.
Houzzers aren’t afraid to ask for help
As the projects we’re tackling are significant, over a third of people questioned said they would be enlisting some help. Landscape contractors, landscape architects and garden designers are all on speed dial for 34% of people surveyed, all in the quest for a better, more inviting outside space.
Shed looking shoddy? Follow these tips for getting it back into shape
As the projects we’re tackling are significant, over a third of people questioned said they would be enlisting some help. Landscape contractors, landscape architects and garden designers are all on speed dial for 34% of people surveyed, all in the quest for a better, more inviting outside space.
Shed looking shoddy? Follow these tips for getting it back into shape
We keep the kids in mind
About four out of five of us are making child-related updates (77%). Creating space for running around and playing in (44%), growing edible plants (25%) and installing fencing around the garden (24%) are all key priorities.
About four out of five of us are making child-related updates (77%). Creating space for running around and playing in (44%), growing edible plants (25%) and installing fencing around the garden (24%) are all key priorities.
We’re reaping the benefits of a better outdoor space
Garden makeovers are having a significant impact on the UK’s outdoor living, with 81% of people saying they spend more time outside as a result of garden upgrades. More than half of those surveyed spend five or more hours a week in their gardens.
So what are all these people doing outside? Some 78% enjoy relaxing, 70% like to eat outdoors and 67% entertain alfresco. It seems that good old-fashioned gardening is no longer the main reason to head outside. We also found that 70% of Brits now prefer to relax in their outdoor space, while only 65% say they actually tend their garden.
Like to entertain alfresco? See how to create a stylish outdoor dining area
Garden makeovers are having a significant impact on the UK’s outdoor living, with 81% of people saying they spend more time outside as a result of garden upgrades. More than half of those surveyed spend five or more hours a week in their gardens.
So what are all these people doing outside? Some 78% enjoy relaxing, 70% like to eat outdoors and 67% entertain alfresco. It seems that good old-fashioned gardening is no longer the main reason to head outside. We also found that 70% of Brits now prefer to relax in their outdoor space, while only 65% say they actually tend their garden.
Like to entertain alfresco? See how to create a stylish outdoor dining area
Low-maintenance outdoor living is key
As we’re less inclined to garden in our outside space and more likely to relax or socialise in it, having a spot that’s easy to maintain is the top functional consideration among UK homeowners, with 67% citing it as important. Over half of those questioned said outdoor living was their biggest design priority (59%), followed by having a stylish and beautiful space (51%).
All this means that homeowners are less likely to snap up shrubs and more keen to invest in products that transform their space into an outdoor room. Our survey found that 58% have bought outdoor furniture, 40% have splashed out on a barbecue, 28% have warmed to a fire pit, 13% have picked up a patio heater and 8% have installed a pizza oven.
As we’re less inclined to garden in our outside space and more likely to relax or socialise in it, having a spot that’s easy to maintain is the top functional consideration among UK homeowners, with 67% citing it as important. Over half of those questioned said outdoor living was their biggest design priority (59%), followed by having a stylish and beautiful space (51%).
All this means that homeowners are less likely to snap up shrubs and more keen to invest in products that transform their space into an outdoor room. Our survey found that 58% have bought outdoor furniture, 40% have splashed out on a barbecue, 28% have warmed to a fire pit, 13% have picked up a patio heater and 8% have installed a pizza oven.
Houzzers plan for their pets
Over half of us (57%) have updated our outdoor space with our pets in mind. Creating space for animals to run and play in was a priority for 27% of people, while 21% also made sure to plant toxin-free plants.
Over half of us (57%) have updated our outdoor space with our pets in mind. Creating space for animals to run and play in was a priority for 27% of people, while 21% also made sure to plant toxin-free plants.
Lighting gives us that outdoor room feel
To help our outdoor space work beautifully as an extra room, we often install lighting. Of those who did, 80% said it was to pick out features in the garden and create a lovely ambience, whereas 71% said they simply wanted to create a more enjoyable and relaxing space, which can be used after dark, too.
To help our outdoor space work beautifully as an extra room, we often install lighting. Of those who did, 80% said it was to pick out features in the garden and create a lovely ambience, whereas 71% said they simply wanted to create a more enjoyable and relaxing space, which can be used after dark, too.
We take on an outdoor project because of a move, mess, money or time
Moving house is the top trigger for undertaking an outdoor project, say 41% of people, while many are looking to make over a deteriorated space (25%). Others wait until they have the necessary finances in place (24%) or the spare time (25%), before embarking on a project.
Moving house is the top trigger for undertaking an outdoor project, say 41% of people, while many are looking to make over a deteriorated space (25%). Others wait until they have the necessary finances in place (24%) or the spare time (25%), before embarking on a project.
Our projects span all budgets
When it comes to minor projects, the majority of homeowners – 93% – spend less than £2,500. More substantial projects demand bigger budgets and 39% of people plan to spend, or have spent, more than £2,500 on transforming their outdoor space.
Want to revamp your garden furniture without splashing out? Check out these budget-friendly ideas
When it comes to minor projects, the majority of homeowners – 93% – spend less than £2,500. More substantial projects demand bigger budgets and 39% of people plan to spend, or have spent, more than £2,500 on transforming their outdoor space.
Want to revamp your garden furniture without splashing out? Check out these budget-friendly ideas
Spring is our time for action
March and April are the most popular months for UK homeowners to embark on an outdoor project (22% and 16%, respectively). While the work happens in spring, the planning starts in the depths of winter, four or more months before a project starts for the majority of us (67%).
March and April are the most popular months for UK homeowners to embark on an outdoor project (22% and 16%, respectively). While the work happens in spring, the planning starts in the depths of winter, four or more months before a project starts for the majority of us (67%).
We want our plants to work hard
When it comes to choosing planting for our outdoor space, UK homeowners are prioritising flowering plants (71%). Ideally, we want these to be low maintenance (59% of people said this was important), while 58% were keen to grow specimens that attract wildlife, such as bees and butterflies.
TELL US…
How have you updated your outdoor space recently? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
When it comes to choosing planting for our outdoor space, UK homeowners are prioritising flowering plants (71%). Ideally, we want these to be low maintenance (59% of people said this was important), while 58% were keen to grow specimens that attract wildlife, such as bees and butterflies.
TELL US…
How have you updated your outdoor space recently? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
Lawns have fallen out of favour, it seems, and in outdoor spaces that already have one, big changes are occurring. We discovered that 22% of homeowners are reducing their lawn size and 12% are removing it altogether in favour of garden beds (54%), hard landscaping (48%) and outdoor structures (43%).