Earlier this year, we shared a survey from the Institute for Applied Ecology called the Gardening for Nature Survey. The results are in! You can read the full report at the link below.

Summary Results:

• Gardeners are happy. 58% are “extremely satisfied” with naturescaping their yards; fewer than 2% are dissatisfied.
• Neighbors approve, and it spreads. More than 85% receive positive or very positive feedback. Many describe neighbors starting their own native gardens, and seed and plant swaps springing up.
• What works. Sheet mulching (cardboard under wood chips) was the top-rated way to remove lawn. Plants in small or 1-gallon pots earned the highest satisfaction (4.3–4.4 out of 5); starting from seed scored lowest.
• What they’d do differently. 62% wish they’d better understood how big plants get and where they thrive. A third would control weeds earlier, and a quarter would put in paths first.
• What stands in the way. Cost (46%) and physical labor (37%) are the biggest barriers. Gardeners want demonstration gardens (60%), seed and plant sharing networks (52%) and tours (47%).
• A source of joy. Nearly half of written responses describe the garden as a source of happiness, calm or hope, using words like “therapeutic,” “sanctuary” and “life-changing.”