We all want our gardens to feel inviting, stylish and reflective of our personality. Yet sometimes an outdoor space can feel slightly ‘off’ without us being able to pinpoint why. Now, new research has revealed the garden features most likely to make a space appear less polished – and some of the biggest culprits could already be hiding in plain sight.
According to Dunster House, there are 10 garden features that can instantly downgrade an outdoor space. For its Big Garden Report, the building specialist surveyed 1,000 UK homeowners about their gardening habits and preferences, including which details they think make a garden look ‘tacky’.
Among the most common answers were plastic plants, cited by 49 per cent of homeowners, followed by neon signs (41 per cent), artificial grass (39 per cent) and inflatable hot tubs (38 per cent). Even garden gnomes, which have enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent years (RHS Chelsea Flower Show even temporarily lifted their gnome ban), made the list, with 37 per cent of respondents saying the whimsical figurines cheapen a garden’s appearance.
AMe Photo – Getty Images
Giant trampolines (35 per cent), themed novelty decor – think tropical flamingos or tiki ornaments (31 per cent) – and fake living walls (31 per cent) also made the list of features homeowners would rather live without.
While plastic plants topped the list of abhorrence across almost all generations, Dunster House found clear differences in attitudes depending on age.Baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) felt particularly strong about artificial greenery, with 64 per cent saying they would happily banish them given the chance, compared with just 29 per cent of Gen Z respondents (born between 1997 and 2012). Younger homeowners, in turn, were more likely to view neon signs as the ultimate garden design faux pas.
But whether it’s garden gnomes or giant trampolines, the strongest objections seem to centre on features that feel overly artificial or manufactured – perhaps unsurprising, given that a garden is ultimately meant to be rooted in nature.
So, if you’re unsure what might be spoiling your garden’s organic aesthetic, it’s worth looking for any synthetic details that could be disrupting the overall look and feel.
John keeble – Getty Images
Still, of course, it’s your garden, your choice. ‘Gardens are incredibly personal spaces, and what one person loves, another might see as completely over the top,’ says Christopher Murphy, founder of Dunster House. ‘For many, it’s about creating a space they can enjoy right now.’
The 10 least popular garden features
Brightly coloured decking or fencing
Children’s plastic play equipment
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