Eight in 10 young people think gardening is cool—and it turns out that more than half would rather go to a garden center than a nightclub.
A poll of 2,000 people found horticulture has enjoyed a renaissance among 18 to 34 year-olds during lockdown.
The appeal appears to be rooted in young people having a desire to make their homes and gardens a nicer place to be, to improve mental health, and create a space they can escape to.
It also emerged gardening is so popular that young adults spend close to two hours during a typical week taking care of their beloved plants.
Kev Smith, head of marketing at Draper Tools, which commissioned the survey, said: “The popularity among young adults is fantastic to see, we knew it was popular, but even we were surprised by the outpouring of love for it.
“There’s a tendency to think of gardening as an activity for older people, but this poll proves that gardening really is for everyone, whatever your age.
“Gardening is a very calming activity, as well as a rewarding one—everyone can enjoy the benefits it brings.”
The survey found the most popular houseplants among those polled are cacti, orchids, and aloe vera, followed by basil, spider plants, and peace lilies.
Outdoors, the most common are daffodils, roses, and lavender, along with tulips, mint, and hydrangea.
While the act of gardening itself is one of the biggest appeals—it appears to be bigger more than that.
Two thirds (66 percent) also said they love shopping for gardening items, whether that’s plants, seeds, or tools.
To date, the Brits polled have spent £318.56 ($452) on such items—with 58 percent revealing they’ve spent more on gardening during the past 12 months or so than ever before.
MORE: 8 Cheap Gardening Hacks For Plants – Using Wine and Plastic Bottles, Orange Peels and Coffee Grounds
In fact, 56 percent said gardening is one of the things which has kept them going in the wake of the pandemic.
But this doesn’t mean their interest looks likely to shrivel up like an unloved plant—72 percent intend to keep on investing in plants, tools, equipment, and more to fulfil their vision for their garden.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study also found 60 percent wish they had access to more outside space than they do currently, so they could be even more green thumbed.
However, 78 percent believe you don’t need a big outdoor area to experience the benefits of gardening.
READ: Step Inside the Magical World of An Ancient Tradition: Growing Rhubarb by Candlelight
The most popular place to grow plants is on the kitchen windowsill, while living rooms, bathrooms, and balconies are also popular locations for all things green.
Kev Smith added: “Gardening is incredibly accessible which might in part explain its increasing popularity.
“Wherever you live, whatever your space, anyone can give growing plants a go—and we’re seeing more and more people embracing this.
“The transformative effect of plants on areas big or small is just one of many great things about having plants in your home—both inside and out.” Cheers to that.
MOST POPULAR HOUSEPLANTS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
1. Cactus
2. Orchids
3. Aloe Vera
4. Basil
5. Spider Plant
6. Peace Lily
7. Tomatoes
8. Chilli
9. Money Plant
10. Parsley
11. Snake Plant
12. Ivy Houseplant
13. Cress
14. Monstera (cheese plant)
15. Chives
16. Air Plant
17. Lucky Bamboo
18. Fiddle Leaf Fig
19. Prayer Plants
20. Umbrella Plant
MOST POPULAR GARDEN PLANTS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
1. Daffodils
2. Roses
3. Lavender
4. Tulips
5. Mint
6. Hydrangea
7. Clematis
8. Geranium
9. Magnolia
10. Hyacinth
11. Snowdrops
12. Honeysuckle
13. Jasmine
14. Chrysanthemum
15. Iris
16. Hibiscus
17. Lupins
18. Wisteria
19. Ornamental Grass
20. Waterlilies
PLOT Some Good News for Your Friends—Share This Story…