Room we spend most money on is... the garden!

THE garden is fast becoming the most expensive ‘room’ in the house as al fresco lifestyles soar in popularity, according to a survey.

Researchers claim that the average outlay on outdoor spaces in the past two years is £2,000, with one in four households admitting that they have spent more than £3,000.

Spending on outdoor furniture has overtaken plants as gardens become more associated with comfort and entertaining, according to the survey for JD Williams Home.

Half of those questioned admit that they have spent as much or more on their outdoor areas than decorating the rooms inside their home.

The top five most popular garden purchases revealed by the poll of 1,030 homeowners were planters and pots, then furniture, barbecues and outdoor lighting. Actual plants made it to only fifth place.

Jenni Bamford, for JD Williams Home, said: ‘With the popularity of holidays abroad, people get a taste for al fresco dining and entertaining and want to spend more time outdoors, weather permitting, when they return home.’