While not everyone is said to possess a green thumb, recent polling suggests that there are distinct signs indicating someone’s aptitude as a good gardener. Maintaining a well-presented garden, possessing an array of gardening tools, and being knowledgeable about various plant and tree species are among these indicators.
A study, commissioned by STIHL, a garden tools manufacturer, surveyed 2,000 adults in Britain. Results showed that 26 percent of respondents considered themselves ‘pretty good’ at gardening, with 68 percent expressing confidence in using products like lawnmowers and trimmers. Traits of a skilled gardener also included knowing the optimal planting times for different plants, offering advice to others, and investing in tools and garden furniture.
The research highlighted that, on average, adults do not refine their gardening skills until the age of 44, and one-third of individuals were motivated to tend to their gardens only after purchasing their first homes. Sixteen percent of respondents wished they had started gardening earlier, and the study revealed that 34 percent of 18-24 year-olds in the UK were less informed about grass mowing frequency compared to two-thirds of respondents over 55. Moreover, 65 percent of the older generation felt more confident about tool usage, contrasting with only a quarter of 18-24 year-olds.
In India, gardening has become a popular trend among Bollywood celebrities, including Bipasha Basu Singh Grover, Twinkle Khanna, and Shilpa Shetty Kundra. Many have taken up gardening during the lockdown, cultivating their own fruits and vegetables and sharing their experiences on social media. The lockdown has spurred people worldwide to acquire new skills, with gardening emerging as a particularly popular choice. So, armed with tools and enthusiasm, perhaps it’s time to explore your potential as a keen gardener and see if it brings you joy.
