Ireland's gardens are booming

Ireland's gardens are booming according to new research from Bord Bia, with gardeners spending nearly a quarter more in garden centres last year than they were in 2011.

The biggest increase has been in spending on plants, including hanging baskets, hedges, shrubs and perennials, with sales up by €14 million since 2011. The amount you're spending on garden design and maintenance has also increased by nearly a quarter.

The fine summer last year contributed to great sales of garden furniture and barbecue equipment, too – up by €85 million as we all took to our gardens to enjoy the good life al fresco. We also carried on growing our own fruit and vegetables in huge numbers, and GIY seems to appeal particularly to those under 35, who account for almost half the spending on herbs, fruit and vegetables for planting.

Bord Bia's Chief Executive Aidan Cotter said the surge was due to the economic recovery, better consumer confidence and good summer weather – but also thanks to the flexibility of garden centres like ours here in Co. Limerick, and most importantly of all our determination to find out what you want most from your garden.