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A new survey has revealed thatmillennials are getting green-fingered and spending more on their gardens than the over-55s.
The study of 1,200 people aged 16-plus, carried out by Censuswide in March for landscaping specialist Marshalls, found that 25% of millennials believe gardening offers them a greater sense of wellbeing.
Over a third (35%) said that just by owning a garden they feel better in themselves, while one in seven (15%) claimed they would rather spend time in the garden than partying.
The research also uncovered that millennials spend an average of £215.92 each per year on their gardens – more than the £193.27 spent on average by over-55s. This cost includes decorations, plants, general upkeep and garden parties.
On average, millennials spend at least one hour in their gardens every week, with more than a quarter (28%) growing their own fruit and vegetables.
When it comes to the perfect garden, millennials have their own ideas that are a little different to the more traditional fare. A barbecue is top of their wish list, followed by outdoor furniture, a treehouse, a hot tub, a swing and a pool. But all age groups agreed that they want a space that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Marshalls PR executive Sophie Rowe said: “Gardens have always been a place where we go to get away from it all, so it makes sense that younger people are making the most of their green spaces.
“It’s interesting to see that younger people are actually spending more than the over-55s – the demographic most associated with gardening. This could be for a number of reasons, such as spending more time socialising in the garden with friends.
“There is certainly a trend towards mindfulness, particularly with the younger generation. So it’s easy to see why the garden is attractive to those who want to de-stress.
“A lot of people might think that you need a big blossoming garden to get the most out of it, but the majority of people we surveyed had low maintenance gardens.
“These tend to strike a balance between having a space where you can relax, and a garden that doesn’t need a lot of upkeep – perfect for busy young professionals in urban areas.”
