One in eight young people think gardening is cool – and more than half would rather go to a garden centre than a nightclub. A poll of 2,000 people found horticulture has enjoyed a renaissance among 18- to 34-year-olds during the lockdown. As a result, 83 percent now describe gardening as 'cool' and 54 percent would rather amble around a garden center than dance the night away in a club.
The appeal is rooted in mindfulness, with 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 research, 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 study 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 study 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.
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