Top garden trends for 2022 include bird feeders and baths – but gnomes are out

Bird feeders, bird baths, and hanging baskets are the top garden trends for 2022 – while garden gnomes, trampolines, and artificial grass have had their day. More than one in ten, of 2,000 adults polled, are intentionally letting their gardens grow “wild” in order to encourage biodiversity, with wild flowers and vegetable patches among the top garden trends.

Fruit trees, composting areas, and greenhouses appeared in the list of things people most like to see in a garden. But anything painted in an orange wood stain, wind chimes, recycled old tyres, and artificial topiary balls, are unlikely to be bought in 2022.

Water features and “living walls” are also among the most popular garden trends of the moment – while fake animals, buddha statues, and plastic ornaments are out.

Kevin Smith from Draper Tools, which commissioned the research said: “So many of us have got into gardening in recent times, and it’s fascinating to take a look at the top trends – as well as those that have fallen out of favour. It’s great to see the number of people focusing on sustainability by growing their own food, composting, harvesting rainwater, and encouraging biodiversity in their gardens – hopefully these are long-term trends that are here to stay.

“Gardens are ultimately a very personal thing, so although gnomes and plastic flamingos may not be top trends, if you love them in your garden – that’s all that matters.”

Other elements Brits are now turning away from in their gardens are hot tubs – perhaps as a result of rising electricity costs. Another 27 per cent don’t like to see trampolines in their back gardens, and 15 per cent consider topiary to be “over”.

However, some trends made both the top garden trends and the worst ones – suggesting an opinion split. Those which fall into this “love/hate” category include decking, ponds, fire pits, and repurposing household items to grow plants in – like bathtubs, sinks, and old bikes.

Exactly one in five respondents say keeping up with the latest garden trends is “very” important to them, while three-quarters reckon they’ve got great outdoor taste. And during a typical week, green-fingered Brits will spend an hour and 20 minutes pondering how to get the best from their outside space.

Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) also admit they get “inspiration” for their garden by peering over their neighbour’s fence. Adults will spend nearly two and a half hours each week outside tending to their garden areas during the summer months.

In total, they estimate having spent an average of £1,732 on buying new bedding, plants, tools, and other garden costs since they moved in, according to the OnePoll data. And it’s seen as money well spent, as one in three (34 per cent) said spending on their gardens is a worthwhile investment.

Half of respondents (49 per cent) also say their top priority for their garden is simply having a place to relax. However, just under a quarter (24 per cent) say sustainability is their number one goal, while 31 per cent want a space where they can grow their own fruit and veg.

Draper Tools’ Kevin Smith added: “Our results found people use their gardens for many different things, and there are certainly strong feelings out there – but almost everyone wants their space to look good. This is the time of year when all the work you put in during winter and spring should be paying off, and letting you enjoy that outdoor space.

“And if wild animals, birds, and bugs are also able to thrive in the space, then that’s just perfect.”

BRITS’ TOP 40 GARDEN TRENDS FOR 2022:

1. Bird feeders
2. Planters
3. Bird bath
4. Fruit trees
5. Hanging baskets
6. Lanterns/outdoor lights
7. Solar lighting
8. Vegetable gardens
9. Garden pathways/stepping stones
10. Herb garden
11. Rainwater harvesting
12. Terracotta plant pots
13. Water features
14. Wild meadow area/growing of wildflowers
15. Raised garden beds
16. Successional gardening (ensuring there are plants are flowering all year round)
17. Decking
18. Rose gardens
19. Ponds
20. Composting areas
21. Greenhouses
22. Summer houses
23. Natural stone/minerals
24. Hedgehog homes
25. Trellis
26. Fire pits
27. Glazed plant pots
28. Rock gardens
29. Bumblebee nest boxes
30. Immaculately trimmed lawns
31. Naturalistic planting
32. Built in BBQ/outdoor kitchen
33. Pergolas
34. Repurposing household items to grow plants in – such as bathtubs, sinks, old bikes
35. Bird/animal box cameras
36. Palm trees
37. Pizza ovens
38. No dig gardening – also known as rewilding (involves minimal interference to the garden)
39. Stripes in the lawn
40. Tulip gardens

BRITS’ WORST 40 GARDEN TRENDS FOR 2022:

1. Fake grass
2. Plastic ornaments
3. Gnomes
4. Trampolines
5. Artificial topiary balls
6. Fake animal/bird statues e.g. flamingos
7. Buddha statues
8. Hot tubs
9. Recycled old tires as plant containers
10. Pub in a shed
11. Garden tiki bar
12. Shoe planter (a planter that looks like a shoe)
13. Fairy gardens (tiny mini gardens for fairies)
14. Ivy
15. Pretend bicycle planters
16. Anything painted with orange wood stain
17. Brightly painted fences
18. Outdoor beanbags
19. Sonic animal repellers
20. Wind chimes
21. Repurposing household items to grow plants in – such as bathtubs, sinks, old bikes
22. Gas powered barbecues
23. Crazy paving
24. Flowers which don’t smell very nice
25. Trees which drop leaves everywhere
26. Topiary (trimming hedges into shapes)
27. Decking
28. Over-pruned shrubs
29. Metal bird/animal/butterfly wall ornaments
30. Conifers
31. Patio heaters
32. Decorative crates
33. Fire pits
34. Chimeneas
35. Ponds
36. Rattan furniture
37. Garden clock
38. Plain lawns with boarders around them
39. Garden kitchen (for adults)
40. Gazebos