Are You A Late-Night Gardener?!
Research into garden usage uncovers new after hours phenomenon
With the housing market on the decline many of us are investing time into transforming our current homes into the ultimate haven. And with summer on its way, there’s no better place to start than the garden. With as many as 10 million people planning on spending £500 or more on their gardens this summer and 75% having thrown or attended a garden party over the bank holiday, it’s crucial that our outside space looks as impressive as possible.
Gardening isn’t the straight-laced pastime it used to be. A third of people say they have taken to doing their hoeing and weeding under the cover of darkness, according to research conducted by Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky, which inspires people to try things from a different angle. The research also showed that a high proportion of whisky drinkers are keen gardeners, so this nocturnal trend creates the perfect partnership.
Whether it’s pottering in the garden (33%) or the less strenuous pleasure of a drink with family and friends (70%), it seems our love affair with the garden is reaching new heights as it reinvents itself and allows us to experience the garden from a different angle. 1 in 20 also admit to gardening naked – so let’s hope they have high fences or very thick hedges!
And as darkness falls it’s not just our own gardens we are busy cultivating, as guerrilla gardeners give public gardens across the UK impromptu overnight makeovers transforming them into stunning urban sanctuaries.
In 2008 the average person will spend around 15 hours a week in their garden compared to just 8 hours a week in 2007. As the summer temperatures begin to rise, it’s no surprise that 3 in 5 people say they would prefer to be in the garden than in their living room on a summer evening.
Celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw, who was commissioned by Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky to create three blueprints for the perfect After Hours Garden following the research findings, comments “The garden is often at it’s most vibrant and intense as the evening slips into night; the fragrance is enhanced in many cases and the quality of light, either from the setting sun or the moon, adds an extra dynamic character so there really can be no better place to sit and unwind at the end of the day.
“Simply adding a few night blooming plants, subtle lighting and the use of white or light coloured materials where possible, will reflect the moonlight and make a real difference to the pleasure you can get out of your garden after hours.”
To make our gardens go from idle to idyllic, check out the website www.grantswhisky.com/gardenafterhours for Chelsea Flower Show judge, Chris Beardshaw’s blueprints for the perfect night garden and great tips for wannabe green fingers across the UK.
Garden Shredders & Chippers - What To Look For
Pressure Washers
Garden Patio Sets
Finding property to renovate has just got easier! RenovateAlerts searches the internet looking for property for sale thats in need of renovation and emails you links to the latest properties found.
Click here for more information
