19.04.10
OLDER GARDENERS LEAVE YOUNGSTERS IN THE SHADE
- basic plant names leave young British gardeners stumped -
Unaware young Brits know little about the flowers and plants growing in their garden, it’s revealed in research commissioned by B&Q, Britain’s number one garden centre.
As the country gets ready for the busiest time of the gardening year, a new study shows most home-owners aged 25 to 34 are unable to name even the most basic plants such as geraniums, lavender or poppies.
But older age groups faired better in the poll – with more people aged 55 to 64 able to identify unusual flowers like lupins, fuchsias and ceanothus (Californian lilac).
The B&Q poll of 2,000 people shows only 29 per cent of younger people know what a lupin looks like, compared to 69 per cent of those over 55.
More than a third of young homeowners don’t know what an onion seedling looks like, and a quarter wouldn’t recognise coriander – despite it being readily available in supermarkets as well as in the back garden.
Other plants 25-year-olds failed to recognise include busy lizzies, and marigolds.
In contrast, green fingered older generations are more familiar with their gardens and as such 74 per cent can identify onions, 79 per cent can pick out coriander and 59 per cent know what the good old British garden favourite busy lizzies are.
Alan Titchmarsh, who is working with B&Q on its campaign to get Britain gardening this summer commented: “There has been a huge resurgence in the number of people interested in getting out into their garden over recent years. This research shows that while the passion and energy is certainly there, sometimes horticultural knowledge is lacking.
“For a lot of gardeners it doesn’t matter if you don’t know the name of every plant in the garden, but when it comes to weeding a veg plot you certainly need to know your dandelion and buttercup seedlings from your parsnips and carrots.”
This summer Alan is working with B&Q to give his expert advice to keen and novice gardeners in a campaign designed to get more Brits gardening. Alan will provide regular tips and advice through in store communication materials and online at www.diy.com helping gardeners to know what to do in their gardens and when.
The poll shows 54 per cent of golden oldies can name geraniums, compared to 22 per cent of their younger counterparts.
A third of senior citizens can recognise cosmos, but only eight per cent of 25 year olds would have a clue what they look like.
And 68 per cent of those aged 55 to 64 can pick out a poppy, compared to just 49 per cent of people under the age of 34.
Four out of five older people could easily select basil, rosemary, beetroot, onions and carrots in their garden just by looking at their leaves.
But the poll shows that while people in their late twenties can correctly identify basil and beetroot, plants such as begonia, cannas and lobelia leave them completely stumped.
Steve Guy B&Q Horticultural Trading Manager said: “Our sales show that Brits of all ages are now enjoying gardening, especially growing their own fruit and vegetables.
“This summer we’re planning to help our customers really get to grips with their garden, giving them the advice they need to make a success of their growing plans.
“After all, it’s important to know your onions in order to grow them. Carrot is the most popular seed we sell so it’s good to see that most people know what a carrot seedling looks like.
“The fact that home owners of all ages enjoy gardening even if they don’t have lots of experience and knowledge is heartening and proves that this summer it looks like Britain is set for a bumper crop of home grown food.”
The poll shows homeowners aged 25 to 34 are completely aware of their short comings in the garden – nine in 10 acknowledge they don’t know half as much about their gardens as their parents or grandparents generations.
And as a consequence, 64 per cent admit their own children are likely to suffer as a consequence – knowing even less about plants and flowers than their parents.
But despite a lack of knowledge for all things green, just under half of youngsters do actually enjoy a spot of gardening and spending time outdoors.
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