New research from Dunster House identifies the garden features that 1,000 UK homeowners think make outdoor spaces look less appealing, with artificial and overly flashy items topping the list.
- Plastic plants and neon signs top the list of disliked garden features.
- Older generations strongly oppose artificial greenery.
- Personal taste remains key when designing outdoor spaces.
What happened
Dunster House conducted a survey of 1,000 UK homeowners for their Big Garden Report, asking participants to identify garden features they believe reduce the overall aesthetic quality of their outdoor spaces. The study revealed a list of 10 features that many feel instantly downgrade garden style and ambiance.
Among the top offenders were plastic plants, disliked by nearly half of those surveyed, followed closely by neon signs, artificial grass, inflatable hot tubs, and garden gnomes. Other items such as giant trampolines, themed decorative ornaments, fake living walls, brightly colored decking or fencing, and children’s plastic play equipment were also included in the list.
Why it feels good
The study’s findings reflect a widespread preference for gardens to feel natural and genuine rather than artificial or overly manufactured. This response is perhaps understandable considering that gardens serve as places to connect with nature and find tranquility away from indoor settings.
Generational differences also emerged. Older homeowners, especially Baby Boomers, demonstrated a stronger dislike for synthetic elements like plastic plants, with 64 percent wanting to remove such features. Younger generations, like Gen Z, were less concerned about fake greenery but found neon signs less appealing, highlighting evolving tastes within garden design.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you want your garden to feel more welcoming and stylish, it may be wise to steer clear of synthetic or overly flashy elements that commonly receive low marks from homeowners. Instead, focusing on authentic plants, natural materials, and subtle decorations can enhance your outdoor space’s charm and relaxation potential.
Remember, a garden is a personal sanctuary. As Dunster House founder Christopher Murphy notes, individual enjoyment is paramount, and what some consider over the top, others may love. So while trends and opinions offer helpful guidelines, ultimately your garden should be designed to reflect what brings you joy and comfort.