Find a Gardener near you
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to gardening in the UK. Whether you're a novice eager to plant your first seeds or a seasoned green thumb keeping up with the latest gardening trends, this article is tailored for you. Dive into practical gardening tips, explore emerging gardening trends, understand the costs of professional gardening services, and learn how to hire the perfect gardener for your needs.
If you're new to gardening, mastering the basics is key to building your confidence. Begin by assessing your garden's conditions - soil type, sunlight exposure, and microclimate all play crucial roles in plant growth. UK gardens typically feature clay, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil, each requiring specific care.
Testing your soil's pH is a vital yet often overlooked step. Affordable soil testing kits are available at garden centres or online. Most plants thrive in neutral pH (around 6.5–7), but some, like rhododendrons and blueberries, prefer acidic conditions. Understanding your soil is the foundation of successful gardening. It's akin to getting to know the personality of your garden — once you understand it, you can work with it rather than against it. For more insights on soil management, consider exploring gardening tips for small spaces.
Every gardener should have these essential tools:
Hand trowel for planting and weeding
Secateurs for pruning
Garden fork for turning soil
Watering can or hose
Garden gloves to protect your hands
Investing in quality tools ensures longevity and ease in gardening tasks. For those looking to enhance their garden's appeal, inspiring gardening ideas can provide creative solutions.
Sustainable gardening is no longer just a trend; it's a fundamental approach for many UK gardeners. The no-dig method, championed by Charles Dowding, is gaining popularity. This technique involves adding organic matter to the soil surface without disturbing its structure, preserving beneficial organisms and reducing weeds.
A recent survey shows that 78% of UK gardeners now incorporate organic methods, opting for natural alternatives over synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Source: Garden Organic
Regenerative gardening goes beyond sustainability by actively enhancing soil health and biodiversity. Key practices include:
Composting garden and kitchen waste
Using cover crops to prevent soil erosion
Creating plant communities that support each other
Minimising soil disturbance
Incorporating perennial plants that sequester carbon
These methods benefit the environment and create resilient gardens that require less maintenance over time.
The gardening landscape is ever-evolving, with exciting trends emerging for 2025:
Perennial vegetables and fruits, which return year after year, are gaining popularity as gardeners seek sustainable, low-maintenance options. Plants like globe artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, and various berry bushes offer long-term harvests with minimal effort.
The "more is more" philosophy is making a comeback in garden design. Dense, layered plantings that mimic natural ecosystems are replacing minimalist styles. These plant communities not only look stunning but also support more wildlife and require less intervention once established.
With the UK experiencing more extreme weather, gardeners are adapting by choosing plants that can withstand both drought and heavy rainfall. Mediterranean plants like lavender, rosemary, and olive trees are becoming common, while rain gardens help manage excess water during storms.
While many gardening tasks can be enjoyable DIY projects, there are times when professional help is beneficial. Local gardeners can transform overgrown spaces, handle heavy landscaping, or provide regular maintenance if time or physical ability is a constraint. For guidance on selecting the right professional, explore advice and tips for hiring a gardener.
According to Bark's price guide, professional gardeners typically charge between £25–£50 per hour in the UK, with regional variations. Source: Bark.com
Here's a breakdown of common gardening services and their average costs:
Regular garden maintenance: £20–£40 per hour
Garden clearance: £150–£400 depending on size
Lawn care services: £15–£30 per visit
Hedge trimming: £40–£60 for a medium-sized hedge
Garden design: £500–£2,000 for a complete design
When searching for gardeners near you, consider these factors:
Experience with your specific garden type
Specialisations (e.g., organic gardening, Japanese gardens)
Reviews and recommendations from previous clients
Insurance coverage
Availability for regular maintenance if needed
Platforms like Bark.com can connect you with vetted gardening professionals in your area, making it easy to compare quotes and find the right person for your project.
Community gardening is experiencing a resurgence across the UK, with over 2,500 community gardens now registered nationwide. Source: Social Farms & Gardens
These shared spaces offer numerous benefits:
Learning opportunities for new gardeners
Access to growing space for those without gardens
Social connections and community building
Improved mental and physical well-being
Local food production and reduced food miles
Many community gardens are implementing innovative water management solutions, including "sponge city" concepts that help urban areas better handle rainfall through permeable surfaces and strategic planting.
Creating a garden that supports local wildlife doesn't mean sacrificing beauty. Native UK plants have evolved alongside local insects and birds, making them perfect for biodiverse gardens.
Some excellent native plants for UK gardens include:
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – attracts bumblebees
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – supports over 300 insect species
Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) – attracts butterflies
Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) – excellent for pollinators
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) – produces berries for birds
Research shows that gardens with at least 70% native plants support significantly more bird and butterfly species than those dominated by non-natives. Source: Royal Horticultural Society
With electric vehicles becoming more common, many UK homeowners are reimagining their front gardens to accommodate charging points while maintaining aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.
Permeable paving solutions allow for parking while minimising flood risk, and vertical planting on walls and fences maximises limited space. Some innovative designs incorporate rain gardens alongside driveways to capture and filter runoff water.
Whether you're getting your hands dirty for the first time or enhancing your existing garden, the world of gardening offers endless possibilities for creativity, learning, and connection with nature. From embracing sustainable practices to hiring local gardeners for larger projects, support is available at every step.
Remember, gardening is as much about the journey as the destination. Each season brings new challenges and rewards, and even experienced gardeners are constantly learning. By staying informed about gardening tips and trends and knowing when to seek professional help, you can create and maintain a garden that brings joy for years to come.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Find trusted local gardeners through Bark.com today and take the first step toward your dream garden.
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Need a gardener but not sure of the cost? Read our handy price guide to find out how much your expert will charge for all your gardening needs, including landscaping services, pressure washing, and more!
