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The nation is in danger of losing its green fingered skills with a sizeable majority of those under 34 unable to perform many of the most simple gardening tasks. This was a key finding from an ICM survey on behalf of Gardeners' World Magazine to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK found a generational split in gardening ability, with 40 per cent of people between the ages of 25-34 unable to perform any of the most basic gardening tasks, including: growing plants from seed, controlling pests, identifying plants, growing a lawn, pruning roses and making compost. By contrast, only 22 per cent of those over 55 were similarly unskilled. While a third of those over 65 years old rated their ability as very good, this fell to 21% of 25-34 year olds, with 54 per cent rating their ability as poor (5 out of 10 and less.) Only 31% of over 65s gave their ability a similar thumbs down.

But the survey provides hope for the future with the older generation able to inspire younger gardeners: the under 34s cited "their parents" as key influencers in their gardening. Meanwhile for the 'baby boomer' generation (55-64 year olds) "books" and "gardening programmes" were the key influencers, as well as "family" and "magazines".

The survey was conducted on behalf of Gardeners' World Magazine to celebrate its 20th anniversary issue.

Other findings included:

• A gender split in terms of reasons for gardening. The biggest motivation for women was having a beautiful garden (29%), while for men relaxation was the biggest driver (25%).
• During the gardening season 21% of us will garden at least 2-3 times a week, with 19% every day.
• Gardening creates positive emotions. The key emotional responses to gardening felt by respondents were "feeling relaxed" (51%), "contended" (46%) and "happy" (39%). Just 7% found it frustrating.
• The region that rates itself highest in terms of gardening ability is the South East with 28% awarding themselves at least 8/10.
• The least confident is Scotland with only 15% giving themselves the same score.

According to Adam Pasco, editor of Gardeners' World Magazine: "Despite growing trends such as Grow Your Own, it is worrying that there is a noticeable skills gap for the younger generation. As the survey shows, gardening can have a really positive impact on people’s lives and we urge those with the knowledge to pass on their experience and skills to the next generation."

NOTES TO EDITORS
The survey was conducted by ICM in February of a cross section of 2031 adults throughout the UK.

About Gardeners' World Magazine
Gardeners' World Magazine is the market-leading gardening title, providing readers with key practical advice and tips on gardening. It has a circulation of 212,439 (ABC figures July-Dec10).

Toby Hicks