The enthusiasm for gardening has flourished this year and a new survey has revealed that gardeners of all ages are set to make 2021 a boom year. The research, conducted by the Bristol based-based firm Flourishing Marketing, found that 86per-cent of homeowners plan to use their gardening experience in the shutdown year as the basis of being in the garden more next year. Nearly 40 per-cent of those surveyed say they will plant about the same as last year, with 47per-cent say they will be planting more and expanding their garden spaces next season.
Many homeowners surveyed said they were gardening in 2020 because it gave them something to do while stuck at home during the pandemic, provided a source of exercise and helped to cope with stress. But, overwhelmingly, most were gardening to add beauty in their lives.
“More than half of those surveyed told us they just wanted a beautiful outdoor space,” says Pamela Davies, head of Flourishing horticulture marketing group. “With many of us spending more time at home, and more time outside, gardening opened the door for positive activities and good feelings in a time where things were looking pretty bleak.”
Growing flowers is by far the most popular gardening activity at nearly 73 per-cent , with shrubs and vegetables rounding out the top three. More than 32 per-cent rank container gardening high on their list. Houseplants are also important with 46 per-cent saying indoor gardening is a meaningful activity.
COVID-19 influenced younger homeowners to garden more, according to the research. In the 19 to 28 age range, 23per-cent said they spent “more time” gardening (that includes indoors or out) and 49 per-cent of that age group said they spent ‘definitely more’ time gardening.
“More than eight out of 10 of those surveyed said they felt successful or very successful in their 2020 gardening tasks.”
That younger demographic also said they plan to grow more in 2021 – 81per-cent of 19- to 28-year-olds and 83 per-cent of 29 to 39year-olds. The response from 40 to 55yearolds was impressive, too, with 64 per-cent saying they’ll garden more next year.
“More than eight out of 10 of those surveyed said they felt successful or very successful in their 2020 gardening tasks,” says Davies. “This is great news for the horticulture industry. When homeowners feel successful, they buy more plants, are more likely to try new types of gardening and expand their knowledge. These are all signs that 2021 will be another very busy year”.
