Lockdown has seen the UK plant 322 million more plants than last year, which has had a significantly positive effect on bees, butterflies and local wildlife, increasing biodiversity. But as lockdown restrictions begin to ease, these efforts could go to waste as 36% of Brits admit they will tend to their gardens less, according to new research by Homebase.
Quarantining at home has seen the nation spend on average three more hours a week in their gardens, and a staggering £5.4 billion on sprucing up their outdoor spaces. Even those without a garden are adding to the country’s growing ecosystem, with the average person buying two new houseplants in the last three months.
Almost two-thirds (64%) of the nation say they have planted more plants than last year and 22% have made a specific effort to plant with the environment in mind, but almost one in 10 admit that whilst they care about the environment, they believe there is nothing they can do to make a difference.
BBC’s Instant Gardener, Danny Clarke, disagrees, and has teamed up with Homebase to help budding and established gardeners learn about biodiversity and how they can support it from their own spaces.
"There is so much talk about biodiversity and the environment, and this can seem really daunting, but the reality is there are lots of really simple things you can do that have a direct impact on the bugs, bees and birds that we need more of in our local environment," says garden designer Danny.
"All of our gardens, courtyards and balconies combined make up a space larger than the Lake District, so what may feel like a small change for you contributes to one big impact for all sorts of wildlife for years to come."
With 36% likely to spend less time caring for their garden as lockdown restrictions continue to lift (citing work commitments and no longer needing the distraction), Homebase's new Great British Green Up campaign will call on the nation to keep making a positive impact on local wildlife.
"Scientific studies show clearly that gardens are an important resource for pollinators like bumble bees, honeybees, solitary bees and hoverflies," says Professor Sir Ian L Boyd, of the University of St Andrews. "Urban landscapes where gardeners have intentionally planted flowers which attract pollinators are very likely to be contributing to sustaining pollinators, and trees and other shrubs also provide cover and food for other species.
"The data showing increased attention to gardens and planting of flowers which attract pollinators during the current lockdown is to be greatly welcomed. We need to build on the few benefits from the lockdown and it would be good to see this new interest in gardens sustained into the future."
Visit Homebase's Great British Green Up campaign for more information.
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20 best gardening gifts under £35
Dutch Floral Patterned Plant Pot With Bulbs, £11.80, Notonthehighstreet.com
Have you ever seen a more beautiful plant pot? These ones even come with their own bulbs, so expect Delft Blue Hyacinth to blossom soon.
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Chilli Grower Workshop for Two, £20, Virgin Experiences
Learning new skills are always exciting. This experience gift will give guests the chance to professionally learn how to grow their own chillis at home.
Greenhouse Slate Tags, Set of 6, £20, John Lewis & Partners
Keep track of potted plants and herbs with these useful slate tags. Pop these around the garden for a beautiful, organised touch.
Visit to Kew Gardens and Palace for Two, £30, Buy A Gift
Got a fussy friend who is hard to please? Give the gift of an experience with a visit to Kew Gardens for a something unforgettable.
Wellington Boots, £34.99, Waitrose & Partners Garden
These red-hot wellington boots are the most practical gift you can give a gardener. They'll be worn everyday by garden-lovers pottering around outside.
Clusia Rosea 'Green Magic' Plant, £24.99, Waitrose & Partners Garden
You can never go wrong with a plant as a gift. This one in particular is highly sought after for its beautiful, leathery leaves.
Robin Watering Can, £16.99, Waitrose & Partners Garden
Treat your bird-loving friends to this beautiful watering can for everyone's favourite bird — the robin. Choose to use it as an ornament or to fill up with water for birds to drink from.
Personalised RHS Ceramic Planters, £22.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk
Get personal with your gift ideas and give something printed with your own message. These ceramic planters make excellent presents.
Wooden Rake, £20, Garden Trading
Sweeping away fallen leaves and garden dirt has never been easier thanks to this beautiful wooden rake. Crafted from beech, it's a practical gift that everyone will find use for.
Seeds Tin, £14, Sophie Allport
Neatly store away garden seeds in this smart steel tin. Its sturdy lid will ensure any little bugs and insects will stay out.
Gardening Fork, £19.95, Orla Kiely via Cuckooland
Digging up weeds and plants has never been better with Orla Kiely's ever-stylish oval fork. In their beautiful iconic print, this would make an excellent gift for any keen gardeners.
Plant Topper, £24, Notonthehighstreet.com
Even the most talented of gardeners could use a little reminder to water their plants every so often. This sweet 'water me' topper in rose gold will add a touch of humour to any houseplant. There's the option to personalise it, too.
Personalised Large Wooden Crate Planter, £26.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk
Whether it's for your grandmother, father or a friend, everyone will love this personalised planter for their outdoor space.
Canvas Garden Kneeler, £20, Garden Trading
Crafted from a waterproof canvas fabric, this handy garden kneeler will keep gardener's clean and tidy as they plant new flowers. It makes the perfect gift.
Self-watering Hanging Basket, £10.95, House of Bath
Do you know someone who has trouble keeping their plants alive? Then this self-watering hanging basket is the gift for them. With a drainage hole to prevent overwatering, it's a garden must-have.
Hedgehog Feed Gift Box, £25, Notonthehighstreet.com
Caring for hedgehogs is even more important in spring, as they have just come out of hibernation and are looking for food. This gift box will give your gardening friends a step in the right direction by caring for their little garden visitors.
Gardeners Bountiful Hamper Skincare Gift Set, £17, Heathcote & Ivory at John Lewis & Partners
Gardening is often tough on the hands, so it's important for regular gardeners to look after their skin. This handy gift set features hand balm, hand cream and muscle soak.
Secateur Pruner, £8, Argos
Some of the best gifts are the most practical ones. Every keen gardener will need one of these to help with their tree and plant pruning. They'll thank you for it.
Concrete Fan Plant Pot, £7.95, Notonthehighstreet.com
Treat your plant-loving friends to something special with this beautiful patterned plant pot, perfect for succulents.
Bird Feeder Gift box, £30, Box Wild
This gift box contains everything gardeners need to help feed the birds. With each one bought, they will also donate 50p to various wildlife charities.
Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and sharing the best decorating tips, small-space living solutions, and houseplant care advice. She also enjoys curating stylish and affordable homeware on the high street, as well as spotlighting the hottest properties on the market. Olivia covers some of the biggest events in the calendar, including all the action from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Colour of the Year forecasts from Pantone to Dulux, and exclusive previews of all the new Christmas collections before they hit the shops. Olivia has been writing about homes and interiors for the past seven years, and her work has also been published on House Beautiful US, Elle Decor US, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Red, Prima, Town & Country, Elle Japan, Modern Living and Micasa Revista. Prior to joining House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night! Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies. Previous bylines include The Guardian, Independent on Sunday, The Huffington Post, Frontline Club and Pride Magazine.
