Water features top garden wish lists

There was a time when gardening was about plants; but despite what the professional gardeners at the Chelsea Flower Show might like to tell you, for many it is about high cost accessories.

People are now buying rather than growing their gardens, with water features topping the list of garden 'must haves'.

Nearly four million households put a water feature at the top of their garden accessory list, according to a survey by Post Office Home Insurance.

The prized possession in two and half million gardens is the decking, while just over two million households have a sculpture at the heart of their collections.

Gazebos and outdoor heaters were next up, with 1.7 million homeowners each listing them as their favourite garden accessory.

Overall UK gardeners have spent £15.2 billion on their gardens, with over ten million estimating their garden to be worth £400, and nearly one in five valuing it nearer £1,000.