Midlanders view their gardens as an extension of their home, with many looking for ways to simplify maintenance. This survey reveals how pavers can provide the perfect solution.

Baggeridge – the UK’s leading brick manufacturer - has discovered interesting statistics regarding the gardening habits and perceptions Midlanders. Questions have been asked amongst a sample of 100 people aged between 30-40 years to discover how they really feel about their garden.

It’s a fact that people in this age group are at one of the busiest stages in their life, often juggling career, family, friends and young children, leaving them with very little time or inclination to spend tending their garden.

Despite TV programmes promoting gardening as a ‘weekend hobby’, the results reveal that this age group want to spend less time working in their garden and more time enjoying it.

The Results

More than half (57 per cent) of those polled have this year spent between two-three hours per week in the garden - either on their own, with their partner or with another family member. Some of the respondents however felt that this was far too long, with many stating that they wanted a low maintenance garden that’s ideal for hosting BBQs.

When it comes to carrying out gardening chores just over three quarters (77 per cent) of respondents listed cutting back as their favourite herbaceous habit. Unsurprisingly, weeding came bottom of the results.

What lies beneath is also important it seems, with pavers topping the poll. A resounding 67 per cent said this was their garden floor of choice because they’re low maintenance and will retain their colour after being laid, as opposed to other materials which can fade over time. Cobbles came a close second and decking third.

If money was no object, 30-40 year olds would spend on average £75-100 per month on maintaining their garden with drinking and BBQs being the preferred garden pastime.

Alison Adderley, commercial manager for Baggeridge Brick said: “We acknowledge that gardens can be difficult and time consuming to maintain, but with clay pavers they don’t have to be. By highlighting that there are alternative ways of creating an attractive outdoor living space we are hopefully going some way towards reducing the stresses and strains that are normally associated with maintaining a traditional British garden.

“What’s more clay pavers are a far longer lasting material than say, concrete slabs that mimic stone. Concrete can fade in a relatively short period whereas clay matures with time and has a far longer life span.”

Baggeridge Brick manufactures a superb range of high quality clay pavers and cobbles under its Origins brand. There’s such an extensive selection available that keen gardeners across the region can effortlessly create a bespoke effect on paths, patios and even on their driveways.

22 May 2006