Best and worst garden trends of all time - from bird feeders, gnomes to fake grass

The best and worst garden trends of all time have been revealed – with bird feeders and vegetable patches voted the best, while gnomes and fake grass shamed as the worst.

A study found water features, summer houses and decking are also viewed favourably among green-fingered Brits, as are herb gardens, living walls and outdoor kitchens.

But they’re not enamoured with hot tubs, trampolines or wind chimes – nor fences painted with orange wood stain, or coniferous trees.

Commissioned by Draper Tools, the poll of 2,000 adults who own a garden found 83 per cent believe they have impeccable taste when it comes to their outdoor space.

Although four in 10 admitted that they regret some decisions they’ve made in relation to their back yards.

Kev Smith, head of marketing at Draper Tools, said: “The research goes to show just how passionate we are about our gardens - clearly those polled have pretty strong opinions on what works and what doesn’t.”

“However gardens are a very personal thing and what is right for one person isn’t necessarily right for another, so if you’re happy with your garden then that’s all that matters.

“But it’s certainly fascinating – and a bit of fun – to find out what people are keen on and what they’re not quite so fond of.”

The study also found planters resembling old shoes, faux bicycle planters or metal wall ornaments resembling birds, animals or butterflies, were all considered to be bad trends – as well as artificial topiary balls, sonic animal repellers and patio heaters.

However, some fashions have divided the nation’s gardeners – including the staple of 1990s gardening TV shows, decking, which falls into both the good and bad categories.

Wildlife-enticing garden trends such as hedgehog homes, meadow areas and bumblebee nest boxes fall safely into the good trends list.

As do tree houses, lanterns and pond areas, with sustainable trends such as composting proving popular too.

It also emerged around a quarter of gardeners said they make a concerted effort to keep up to date with the latest trends in the world of gardening.

Three in 10 get most of their inspiration from visiting garden centres, but gardening TV programmes (26 per cent) and family members (21 per cent) are also popular sources.

The Draper Tools study, carried out through OnePoll, found the typical garden owner has spent £1,909 to date on making their back yard just right.

And 39 per cent reckon they’ll spend more on it this year than they’ve ever spent during a single year before.

Over the course of a typical 12-month period, those polled will spend a total of 86 hours working away on their beloved gardens – that’s the equivalent of three days and 14 hours.

Further to this, seven in 10 said they have been spending more time in their garden during recent weeks.

As a result, 48 per cent said improving this area of their home is currently their ‘main priority’.

Kev Smith of Draper Tools added: “The findings suggest those lucky enough to have a garden are very thankful to have one.

“And rightly so, because gardens can be a wonderful and rewarding place to escape to - I know mine is and I love nothing more than relaxing in the hot tub with a gin… though clearly I’m off trend.”

TOP 30 BEST GARDEN TRENDS

1. Bird feeder
2. Vegetable garden
3. Water feature
4. Lanterns/outdoor lights
5. Summer house
6. Hanging baskets
7. Bird bath
8. Herb garden
9. Solar lighting
10. Green house
11. Raised garden bed
12. Decking
13. Hedgehog homes
14. Pond
15. Wild meadow area/growing of wildflowers
16. Fire pit
17. Composting
18. Built in BBQ/Outdoor kitchen
19. Planters
20. Garden pathways/stepping stones
21. Bumblebee nest boxes
22. Rose gardens
23. Tree house
24. Rock garden
25. Terracotta plant pots
26. Patio heater
27. Garden bar/pub in a shed
28. Living walls
29. Re-purposing household items to grow plants in - such as bathtubs, sinks, old bikes
30. Bird/animal box camera

TOP 30 WORST GARDEN TRENDS

1. Gnomes
2. Fake grass
3. Plastic ornaments
4. Fake animal/bird statues e.g. Flamingos
5. Artificial topiary balls
6. Buddha statue
7. Trampoline
8. Hot tub
9. Recycled old tires as plant containers
10. Pub in a shed
11. Ivy
12. Fences painted with orange wood stain
13. Wind chime
14. Shoe planter (a planter that looks like a shoe)
15. Fairy gardens (tiny mini gardens for fairies)
16. Pretend bicycle planters
17. Metal bird/animal/butterfly wall ornaments
18. Garden tiki bar
19. Re-purposing household items to grow plants in - such as bathtubs, sinks, old bikes
20. Outdoor beanbags
21. Crazy paving
22. Sonic animal repellers
23. Conifers
24. Decking
25. Patio heater
26. Gas powered barbecues
27. Fire pit
28. Topiary (trimming hedges into shapes)
29. Chimenea
30. Decorative crates