Britain’s gardens are facing a grim fuchsia after a study revealed the younger generation know little about plants – and three quarters cannot even identify a TULIP.
Almost nine out of 10 people aged 25 to 35 couldn’t identify a geranium, three out of four drew a blank over jasmine and almost 60 per cent faltered over a fuchsia.
And it’s no wonder their gardens are suffering as a result – over half didn’t think dandelions were weeds and three out of 10 didn’t recognise a hoe.
A study of 2,000 Brits in that age range said they found that time pressures and lack of knowledge leave them struggling to maintain their gardens.
Only ONE per cent described their gardening skills as ‘very good’ in a survey conducted by Origin, a British door and window designer and manufacturer.
Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said: “The study shows there is a lack of engagement between the younger generation and gardening, a gap in knowledge that is growing.
“From naming the common flowers to identifying basic gardening tools and processes, it’s important we don’t lose the connection and passion for our outdoor spaces.
“A lack of enjoyment or interest in maintaining a garden usually comes from people not knowing where to start.
“That’s why nurturing an interest in gardening and showing the rewards that outdoor space can bring is essential, even growing plants in small spaces, such as a window box, can be fun and productive — you just need a little sunshine and some imagination.”
Over a quarter of respondents admitted they had tried to grow plants, only for them to die just weeks later as a result of not knowing their gardening basics.
Six in 10 said their garden is currently in dire need of attention. Over forty per cent said that they do ‘the minimum amount possible’ to maintain their outdoor space.
More than half of those who don’t like gardening said it was mainly because they are ‘clueless’ around the topic.
Origin has now created a series of ‘how to’ videos with Jack Shilley, who at the age of 19 is already the Director of the Young Horts society and a RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner.
Ben Brocklesby added: “The research has revealed how the millennial generation is struggling to grow a basic pot plant and, in some cases, can’t tell a weed from a flower.
“That’s why we’ve launched a series of simple ‘how to’ videos to get them started. The series will give them the skills and confidence to keep great British gardens alive, and improve the views from their first homes.”
TOP 20 MOST-NEGLECTED GARDENING JOBS
1. Weeding
2. Dead-heading
3. Cutting the grass
4. Pruning flowers or plants
5. Digging flowerbeds
6. Choosing plants or flowers for the garden
7. Planting at the right time of year
8. Watering flowers/plants
9. Generally keeping a garden clean and tidy
10. Arranging flowers or plants in flowerbeds
11. Keeping the plants or flowers alive
12. Maintaining hanging baskets
13. Planting vegetables
14. Digging and preparing a vegetable patch
15. Fertilizing the garden
16. Planting flowers or plants
17. Planting hanging baskets
18. Building a shed or greenhouse
19. Watering vegetables
20. Arranging garden ornaments
