Instant bloomers unearthed

A new generation of 'instant bloomers' have been identified - young Brits who are enthusiastic yet lacking basic knowledge when it comes to gardening. According to new research out today, in comparison to older generations over twice as many of today's young Brits are getting into gardening before the age of twenty.

However, almost nine in ten of them (87%) are unable to identify a hoe, and more than four-fifths can't recognise the Latin name for a sunflower (Helianthus Annus). Furthermore, nearly half (47%) have more than a seed of doubt in their mind when it comes to saying what a perennial is (a plant that can live in all seasons for more than 2 years).

Despite their keen green fingers - only one in ten (14%) would regard gardening as a hobby. Instead nearly four-in-ten of 25-34 year olds with any outside space to enjoy admit they would more likely to be found in it with a glass of wine in hand than a gardening tool, while more than half of 16-24 year-olds prioritised shopping over gardening.

This new generation of non-gardening gardeners want to see instant results for minimal effort. Overall, more than a third (37%) want their gardens to look nice without having to put in the hours according to the survey by Scott's MiracleGro.

However nearly nine in ten (87%) agreed that they would use one plant above another if they knew it would save time and money. So while the zest for gardening is there, a lack of basic knowledge could be stopping many Instant Bloomers from fulfilling their gardening potential.

If this sound all too familiar, to help get you started in the garden here is some of the Latin 'lingo' - when it comes to plant names:

* Foxgloves - Digitalis purpurea
* Daisy - Bellis perennis
* Ivy - Hedera helix
* Rubber plant - Ficus elastica
* Oak - Quercus robur
* Sunflower - Helianthus annuus
* Spider plant - Chlorophytum comosum
* Aubergine - Solanum melongena
* Dandelion - Taraxicum officinale
* Silver birch - Betula pendula

To help get Britain blooming, a new online forum has been set up at lovethegarden.com.