Gardeners going for cheaper outside options, expert says

Many greenhouse enthusiasts are selecting cheaper items for their gardens at present, it has been argued, but this has been offset by a desire to add plenty of colour.

According to Amateur Gardening magazine’s Graham Clarke, the tough economic conditions at present mean people are buying lots of value items such as bedding plants and seedlings.

People "are not really wanting to spend a fortune in the garden centres" and are "looking to save a penny or two wherever they can", he explained.

However, Mr Clarke went on to point out that adding colour to a garden seems to be one way gardeners are cheering themselves up during this difficult financial period.

"Market stalls that sell bedding plants are going to do really well this year," he added.

Recent research by MyHammer revealed 60 per cent of UK homeowners plan to make home improvements this year, with 33 per cent of these contemplating a garden overhaul.