Are synthetic lawns the next big thing?

A national newspaper has been investigating the trend for synthetic grass in gardens.

The Daily Mail noted the recent victor of Brentowood in Bloom used an artificial lawn in her prize-winning display.

Materials have changed dramatically over the past few year, mainly driven by the football industry looking to create a truly synthetic pitch that is as close to the real thing as possible.

The reason for this is to provide training and game facilities in places where the weather makes real grass parks unrealistic prospects that are difficult to maintain.

However, Amateur Gardening magazine editor Tim Rumball told the newspaper that it is unlikely the trend will grow among horticulture enthusiasts.

"Artificial lawns are quite convincing, but they are the Antichrist of gardening," he explained.

Mr Rumball added that it is the effort a gardener puts into getting his lawn looking perfect that brings joy.

Meanwhile, National Savings & Investments recently announced it would be working with Mattew Biggs to encourage Brits to grow their own fruit and vegetables at this years BBC Good Food Show events.