Top jobs for Summer 25

There’s been a rise in hosting and socialising at home, as opposed to going out to meet with friends and family. According to the British Psychological Society, time spent out of the house decreased by 16% between pre- and post-pandemic years.

The concept of the garden as the "fifth room" is rising in popularity, with nearly half of homeowners viewing their garden as an extension of their home. This shift is creating a demand for tradespeople who specialize in outdoor rooms, such as installing pergolas, decking, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits.

 Wickes recently produced its Great Garden Report and found that one in six feel the garden is the most relaxing space in their home, coming after the living room (49%) and bedroom (22%).

 Speaking to The Telegraph, property expert Phil Spencer emphasised that inexpensive garden improvements, such as adding a summerhouse or outdoor cooking area, can significantly enhance a property's value - by up to 20% or nearly £60,000 on the UK average property price - and appeal to prospective buyers.
Trex provides composite decking to help you create that “home extension” feeling for your customers.

The Wickes Great Garden Report also found that only one in ten would describe themselves as an experienced gardener. Many homeowners are opting for easier-to-maintain gardens, with 25% of homeowners stating they don't have enough time to look after their gardens. This trend is creating a demand for tradespeople skilled in installing low-maintenance features like artificial turf, water features, and modular planters.

Bringing in architectural features that work to support your horticulture and adopting native plants work together to create an effortlessly self-sustaining, low maintenance garden.

Fruit trees and shrubs as well as perennial vegetables will continue to grow in popularity owing to their reliable annual bounty, low maintenance, and provision of shape, structure and habitat for wildlife.

• Ditch the lawn: instead of maintaining a small lawn, use large borders with paved, gravel, or decked areas, which require less upkeep. 

• Right plant, right place: choose plants that suit the garden's conditions (e.g. sunny, dry spots for lavenders), ensuring minimal care and thriving growth. 

• Go large with pots: larger pots dry out slower than small ones, making them easier to care for. Opt for large containers or raised planters, especially in urban spaces. 

• Keep it simple: focus on hardy shrubs and evergreen plants, which require less replacement and maintain their appeal year-round. Groundcover plants help keep weeds in check. 

• Choose long-lasting combinations: select plants with complementary textures and colours for year-round interest, eliminating the need for seasonal bedding plants. 

• Make your lawn easier to cut: create smooth, simple lawn shapes with a permanent edge to reduce time spent trimming edges.Use mulches: cover soil with bark or gravel to reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and lessen the need for watering and weeding.

Bifold doors can open up an entire wall, creating a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects and designers often recommend bifold doors for their ability to transform living areas into open, airy environments. Unlike traditional doors that swing open, bifold doors fold neatly to one side, conserving valuable floor space. This compact design is ideal for smaller areas or when maximizing usable space is a priority. 

Modern bifold doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Many come with double or triple glazing, which helps to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The modern design and functionality of these doors are attractive to prospective buyers, making homes with bifold doors more desirable in the housing market.

Porcelain paving continues to rise in popularity, and it’s becoming a staple in contemporary garden designs. Its sleek, modern appearance, combined with its durability and low-maintenance qualities, makes it a perfect choice for patios and pathways. Available in a wide range of colours and textures, porcelain tiles offer a sophisticated aesthetic that complements both traditional and modern homes.

Homeowners are also considering ways to integrate tech into their gardens.  Features such as built-in LED lighting in paving slabs to smart irrigation systems not only enhance aesthetics, but also provide practical benefits, such as increased security and water conservation.