Four in five 18-34-year-olds think gardening is ‘cool’ — poll
A small majority said they’d rather spend time time in a garden centre than a nightclub
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Your support makes all the difference.One in eight young people think gardening is cool - and more than half would rather go to a garden centre than a nightclub.
A poll of 2,000 people found horticulture has enjoyed a renaissance among 18 to 34 year-olds during lockdown.
As a result, 83 per cent now describe gardening as ‘cool’ and 54 per cent would rather amble around a garden centre than dance the night away in a club.
The appeal is rooted in mindfulness, with a desire to make their homes and gardens a nicer place to be, to improve mental health, and create a space they can escape to.
It also emerged gardening is so popular that young adults spend close to two hours during a typical week taking care of their beloved plants.
Kev Smith, head of marketing at Draper Tools, which commissioned the poll, said: “The popularity among young adults is fantastic to see, we knew it was popular, but even we were surprised by the outpouring of love for it.
“There’s a tendency to think of gardening as an activity for older people, but this study proves that gardening really is for everyone, whatever your age.
“Gardening is a very calming activity, as well as a rewarding one – everyone can enjoy the benefits it brings.”
The study found the most popular houseplants among those polled are cacti, orchids, and aloe vera, followed by basil, spider plants and peace lilies.
Outdoors, the most common are daffodils, roses, and lavender, along with tulips, mint and hydrangea.
While the act of gardening itself is one of the biggest appeals – it appears to be bigger more than that.
Many also said they love shopping for gardening items – whether that’s plants, seeds, or tools.
To date, those polled have spent £318.56 on such items – with most revealing they’ve spent more on gardening during the past 12 months or so than ever before.
In fact, a majority said gardening is one of the things which has kept them going in the wake of the pandemic.
But this doesn’t mean their interest looks likely to shrivel-up like an unloved plant - most intend to keep on investing in plants, tools, equipment, and more to fulfil their vision for their garden.
Carried out through OnePoll, the poll also found 60 per cent wish they had access to more outside space than they do currently – so they could be even more green-fingered.
However, most believe you don’t need a big outdoor area to experience the benefits of gardening.
The most popular place to grow plants is on the kitchen windowsill, while living rooms, bathrooms and balconies are also popular locations for all things green.
Kev Smith added: “Gardening is incredibly accessible which might in part explain its increasing popularity.
“Wherever you live, whatever your space, anyone can give growing plants a go – and we’re seeing more and more people embracing this.
“The transformative effect of plants on areas big or small is just one of many great things about having plants in your home – both inside and out.”
SWNS
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