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New research has revealed the contents of Brits’ top 10 dream garden wish lists, from BBQ and outdoor cooking areas to water features.
Although manicured lawns and flower beds were once the simple aspiration of many homeowners, a new study shows traditional garden wishes have fallen out of favour, with more lavish features such as hot tubs, swimming pools and tennis courts taking prime position on garden bucket lists.
In a survey of 1,000 UK adults by garden and conservatory furniture etailer Alfresia.co.uk, three-quarters confessed that they long for a swimming pool, while 53% dream of owning a hot tub
Also high on the wish lists are water features (67%), followed by decking/patio areas (61%), vegetable patches (43%), and summer houses (24%).
Brits also have outdoor style ambitions, with oriental water garden (32%) topping the list of dream garden themes, followed by cottage garden (21%), contemporary modern (19%), Mediterranean terrace garden (16%), and low-maintenance garden (12%).
Some 31% would use their dream garden for throwing parties, whilst an optimistic 16% plan to use their outdoor space for sunbathing.
Built-in BBQ and outdoor cooking area topped the list for those aged 18-24, while 25-34 year-olds chose vegetable patches as their top pick, illustrating the rise in popularity of gardening among young homeowners.
One in 10 (9%) Brits dream of having their own tennis courts, and 5% fantasise about installing a putting green, showing spaces for active leisure are also a high priority.
Craig Corbett, marketing manager at Alfresia.co.uk, said: “The findings are interesting, and show that most of us aspire to have some element of water in our gardens, whether it’s in the form of a bubbling hot tub, or tranquil and calming water feature. It’s great to see the fun and quirky features the British public choose when collating their garden bucket lists.”
TOP TEN DREAM GARDEN FEATURES
- Swimming pool – 74%
- Water feature – 67%
- Decking/patio area – 61%
- Hot tub – 53%
- Vegetable patch – 43%
- Summer house – 24%
- BBQ and outdoor cooking area – 23%
- Tennis courts – 9%
- Putting green – 5%
- Topiary – 4%
