A chance to get out in the garden
Concern about food miles, the increasing cost and the opportunity to use the garden for leisure is seeing a resurgence in people growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Joe Swift, from the BBC television programme Gardeners' World, says that seed sales for fruit and vegetables have outsold ornamental plants for the first time since the 'Dig for Victory' campaign during the second World War.
He continued: "As far as I'm concerned the most important thing is
getting out there and actually using the space - there's the space to
exercise and for kids to play in, people are taking their laptops out
there and working and linking them up to wireless, or using it as a gym
by doing a bit of yoga.
"People are looking very much at it [the garden] being a resource for
growing their own fruit and veg. You know where it comes from, you've
got no food miles, and food is becoming very expensive. Combining
growing your own fruit and veg with ornamental plants can make a
fantastic garden."
Research carried out by Lloyds TSB Insurance has also shown that more
and more valuable property is being bought for the garden - hot tubs,
patio furniture, water features and decking top the wish list for most
homeowners. 55 per cent of people, however, have never checked their
home insurance contents policy to ensure that garden items are covered.
May 01st 2008