The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has released its Value of Gardens report today which assesses the economic, environmental and social contributions of the UK’s 22m private gardens. 

Presented by Fran Barnes, HTA chief executive, during her keynote address at the association’s annual conference, the report builds on the 2023 Value of Plants report.

Value of Gardens outlines key research findings in relation to climate change, including the fact that in urban areas, trees can cool concrete surfaces by 12°C, thereby mitigating the urban heat island effect. 

Barnes says “the UK is at a crossroads, with a huge opportunity to secure health and environmental benefits for generations to come,” whereby she then refers to the government’s ambition to build 1.5m new homes. 

The creation of millions of new homes is a chance to deliver gardens that ensures families can enjoy improved health and social benefits outlined within the report. 

The report also reveals that lawns are effective at slowing water runoff, absorbing 99% of rainfall and reducing flood risk. Additionally, green spaces also remove air pollution and create habitats for biodiversity supporting fauna and flora. 

For every additional square metre of garden space, an extra £2.01 is spent annually on plants and products, the report also reveals. With the government’s plan to build 1.5 million new homes alongside gardens, it could unlock a staggering £64.7bn in consumer spending over the next century.

Read the Value of Gardens report here.