This is what our dream garden looks like, according to a survey

Our dream garden is 48 feet long, south facing – and contains a vegetable plot and a hot tub, a new study has suggested.

A cosy seating area, a barbecue and a lush, green, well-kept lawn are also essential, researchers also found.

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

Entertaining throughout summer proved important, as 41 percent of respondents required a socialising space. A drinks bar and a pizza oven also made the top 20 required features.

When not hosting, 45 percent described their dream garden as being “tranquil” and most people felt it must look tidy and organised.

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

“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,” said market director for Outdoor at B&Q, which commissioned the research, Steve Guy.

“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.”

One-third of respondents do indeed begin prepping for summer 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.

Six in 10 respondents said having colourful flowers makes them feel happier, with lavender, daffodils and roses among the most popular choice of flowers and plants.

Perhaps due to the “clean living” boom, or as a backlash to how disconnected we now are from our food production, nearly one-third also want their own vegetable patch.

More than half wanted to grow their own strawberries, tomatoes, apples and blueberries.

Of those who do grow their own produce, 45 per cent said it gives them a sense of achievement.

The main factors holding those surveyed back from achieving their ideal garden are not having enough space and not knowing where to start.

Nearly 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.

SWNS