Average age of garden gawkers

25 years ago

What might be the age range of those going on organized garden tours or those who love to check out private and public gardens. We started out speculating they would be folks like us - 50+. But research is saying they're younger - 40+. It's an important question because my family and I are launching a new monthly magazine May 1 called Garden Travel Journal dedicated to garden day trips, tours and treasures (garden accessories). We'd be glad to send anyone our subscription pamphlet - but would love to get a fix on the age question.

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Comments (61)

Shelley
24 years ago
I am 29 an have loved everything about gardening for about 10 years now. I am looking forward to finding out more info on some trips I could take, especially abroad, to peek at some gardens!! Would I feel out of place and too young? i would love a pamphlet of your upcoming mag!!
Jackie K.
24 years ago
I am 32 ok almost 33 and have loved garden gawking since I was a teen when I was in high school and living just out side Victoria B.C. I use to go to beacon hill park to look at the flowers all the time
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Interesting article and an interesting thread over on Perennials. Watching my nieces and nephews play their Gameboys for hours on end and then walk around Uncle Bills farm, bored, because thereÂs "nothing to do" (which they did NOT say, when they were younger), I believe that ÂextensiveÂ gardening is down. In general, the up and coming generations have been conditioned to accept as normal and necessary Instant Gratification in all things. Thank the Internet, Nintendo, cell phones, Blackberries and their kin, cable TV, same day Fed Ex, microwave dinners, laptops and a myriad of other devices and services that have made such expectations a virtual requirement in the business world, and now, the personal world. I am guilty of it myself. As a later Boomer, born in the year of Sputnik (that one stumps my nephews every time), I use most of those devices in my business. IÂve noticed that, while I work at maintaining my gardens, I do try to buy larger plants that will bloom sooner to feed the Instant Gratification beast within me. And, while my local Fed Ex and UPS guys could probably navigate to my place blindfolded, I still like to go to the local nurseries as much for the ability to walk out with what I want in my greedy little hands as for the whole visual/olfactory experience. There are a couple of other cultural trends that also play into these numbers, one that encourages them and one that might distort them. First, I believe that new housing in general has changed. Many first homes these days are condos or community-based, where landscaping is either non-existent or handled by a service under a management fee. So, individual purchases in these communities are down, since it not only is not encouraged, but can even be ÂillegalÂ to plant perennials. Many retiring baby boomers are moving to adult communities that have similar rules. And, even if gardening is allowed, with Arizona and Nevada being among the fastest growing states, you wonÂt see many Monarda in such gardens. Related to that is another trend I am seeing with respect to Ânext level upÂ homes. I grew up in suburban New Jersey with the New York City skyline visible out my bedroom window. The entire area is classic post-WWII development zone. The lots are typical suburban ones on the order of 50 x 125 feet, some a little larger, some a little smaller. My parents bought a little cape that was just like all the others on the street, ala Pete Seeger. When my sister and I came along, they expanded up and added a second floor, as did most of the neighbors as THEIR kids came along. There was plenty of space on the lot for a swing set, an above-ground pool, a small vegetable garden, lots of border flower beds, a place to grill and entertain, etc. Now, when I go to visit my parents I see these houses, literally, being torn down and new, gigantic structures being built in their places. These new homes look like brick fortresses and take up as much of the lot as possible. WhatÂs left outside is a small deck for the grill and hot tub, and a small patch of grass that is shaded by the house. ÂGardeningÂ is limited to a couple of rows of Thuja Green Giant to shield the house from its neighbors and a Japanese red maple on the lawn. These places clearly proclaim that indoor living is more important that outdoor living. Even new developments seem to focus on big houses on little lots. The fact is that land is so expensive in these places that people (or developers) want the most bang for their buck and put up the largest houses that they can. So, homeowners are limited to a few pots of annuals around the deck. No wonder perennial orders are down. Second, are perennial orders really down? Do the data take into account the large numbers of purchase made over the Internet? And I donÂt mean from nurseries, whose sales would end up in the data. I mean from small-scale growers, who are most definitely not in the data loop. I buy significant numbers of plants on Ebay from people, who specialize in a few things and would probably fall under the old ÂMom and PopÂ designation. Multiply me by a few hundred thousand people and the numbers add up. Perennial sales COULD be close to historical averages, but the real numbers just arenÂt being reported. Finally, with respect to slowing down as one ages; yes, I guess it is a fact of life. BUT, I firmly believe that proper exercise and conditioning can stave off the rocking-chair-on-the-porch days for a good many years. I am trying to not just maintain but improve a 60-acre property by myself. The lawn care and weeding and planting and fence laying and chicken feeding and beekeeping all take their toll. But, I refuse to let a few aches slow me down. I DO notice that it takes me longer to do some things, but so be it. For example, yesterday I decided to spread some salted sand on my drive. Well, the tarp that I keep over the sand pile is no longer waterproof (humans are not the only things that age) and some of the sand was frozen solid. I couldnÂt break it up with the tractor, because the bucket is stored away, and I have the snow blower on the front with the sand spreader on the rear. So, I took a sledge hammer to it. It amazed me how tired my arms and hands became after only 20 or 30 swings of the sledge. This would not have been the case a few years ago, and probably not even this past summer. 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There is something very basic about it that plays to the core of Who We Are. And, as creatures that have a concept of ÂbeautyÂ, gardening provides an even greater return, one that recurs with every bloom. Well, enough philosophy; I have to go out and take care of the chickens. narcnh
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kelly
24 years ago
I'm 33 and I am on the verge of some serious gawking now that my youngest is almost 3. I can leave'em with Daddy now and take a weekend trip occasionally. Eventually a European tour or Master Gardener International Convention!
Pat Arnold
24 years ago
i am a garden gawker 'wanna-be'...i belong to a rose society and we tour private gardens annually which isn't as often as i would like...'garden gawkening' is my favorite thing to do(even if it's through a car window going 65 down an interstate)...i try to find gardens to visit on all our vacations...next vacation is to the northeast to see the fall foliage and hope to visit a few gardens along the way...oh yes, my age is 55...regards, pat in plano, tx
nbl
24 years ago
how can i get a copy of your brochure?
Connie
24 years ago
I wonder how credible the information is that you are gathering through this line of inquirey. First, you would have to find out the spread of age of the people using the chat rooms on the internet. I am 63, an avid gardener and garden tourist, as are many of my friends, but I only know one or two people my age who are comfortable using the internet. I suspect that the reason you are getting answers from younger people is because they are the only ones reading your question.
Lydia Homan
24 years ago
I love gardening. And I am 26. I'm really looking forward to gawking at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show this weekend, in Seattle, Wa.
I would love a subscription to your magazine. Good luck with it!
Cheryl
24 years ago
my garden was on a local tour a few years ago (?3). i would say we got the 60+ group, also the 35-50+ group. mostly people who were actively gardening themselves.
Janice Askren
24 years ago
I do not know an age,I was gardening vigorously in my 20's with my first child and stopped to go back to work and raise the family. Now, I am 51 and for the last 10 years I have returned to gardening. Garden visiting is my primary vacation occupation, I am intriqued with all the different aspects and flavors people engage into their gardens. This summer I hope to visit the state of Oregon in the early part of June. I would love any advice on where to look.
PattiG(rose)
23 years ago
Please send me a subscription pamplet.
Tasha
23 years ago
I am 29 and I have been a gawker for 3 yrs now and love it. My grandpa started me loving plants at the ripe age of 5-6 and I have always loved looking at peoples gardens. It is not unsual for me to see an unusual plant or flower and go knock at the door to find out what it is and how to get a start. I have met wonderfull people that way because all of us flower people love to show off our gardens don't you agree?? :-) Good luck with the mag. Tasha in IL.
Sherrill
23 years ago
Hi, I am 47 but have been an avid garden visitor and flower show attendee since my mid-20's. I've visited gardens in the US, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, many islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and especially in England where I lived for a year. And I have many more on my "list" that I want to see!
Patti Courville
23 years ago
Photographing gardens, the landscape, shows and tours is one of my greatest passions here on eastern Long Island, NY (better known as 'The Hamptons'). Although I usually shoot for publication, I frequent many venues out of state for my own pleasure whenever I can and have seen all ages of people (and gender) in attendance.

As far as local garden tours through the museums and private clubs, I'd say most are 40+ and younger folks (usually 30 something couples) will almost always have kids in tow.

Hope this information helps. I'd also love a subscription pamphlet for "Garden Travel Journal" - hope it launched well last Spring. I also have press contacts in this area if you are looking to promote & get listings into coming issues.
lovetosmellflowers
22 years ago
Hi garden Gawkers!

I have been an avid gardener for 15 years of my life (34)and my hands can tell the truth, (what's left of them) But have a hugh portfolio on gardens to explore, though have not been to the most amazing gardens yet in Europe, but in my future I hope. I would also like to explore the experiences w/ my new baby to come.

Would love to get a copy of 'Garden Travel Journel'.

Keep on Gawking
Tracy Bantel in Costa Mesa CA
cora_lea
21 years ago
Its a pretty well known fact that most people enjoy looking at beautiful gardens. As to whether age is a factor or not - I'm not sure.

However, the ability to actually "garden" in more than a limited way, and get away to see other's gardens, seems to me to be tied to three relatively easy to gain factors - that being home ownership, "freedom" (being able to get away from children, a job, etc.), and having the funds to do so.

That's my two cents worth. Smiles. Good luck with your project. I, too would enjoy a pamphlet.
cattknap
21 years ago
I'm 51 but have been garden gawking for most of my life.
Bob1952
21 years ago
I just turned 50, but I've been "garden gawking" since I was 5! I've been travelling to see large public gardens for at least the past couple decades.
Bluegrassmom
21 years ago
I am 42 but my almost 15 year old loves to vist gardens with me. The other 3 just tolerate or go somewhere else.
I would love to have a good publication on public gardens!
Bluegrassmom
rcalhoun
21 years ago
You may want to see if the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboretum (http://www.aabga.org/) can give you some advice, they may have some real hard data. AAGBA is the national organization of Americas public gardens. They may have some data they could share. I am the Director of the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe, LA. (www.bmuseum.org). We have not done surveying with age as an interest, but we do see a range of ages and have special programs for School Groups as well as lectures and a symposium.
mbmberg
21 years ago
I am 26 years old and have been gawking since I was in high school. Every time I go on a vacation I look for a garden to tour. My family thinks I'm nuts!
davissue_zone9
21 years ago
There was a high class publication of this very topic about fifteen years ago. they lasted about five years before going out of business. I know the Strybing Arboretum's horticultural library took a subscription and probably still has the copies they received, you might want to look at a copy in order to contact the owners and find out why they went out of business before you sink a lot of money into this venture. There IS a recession going on right now, you know. I loved the magazine, it tended to devote each issue to an area of the usa, or to a particular country, which was convenient. I think they were charging about forty dollars for either four or six issues a year, which I was too cheap to pay for, I looked at Strybings copies. But it WAS well done on good paper stock with lots of colored pictures. I'm 48 and have been garden traveling for years, but then again, I dont have kids and have a fairly good income. Most garden tourers I know are older with the kids big enough to leave behind- I would say mid thirties and up.
steve_nj
21 years ago
I'm 45 and have been intensely interested in horticulture since the age of 10. My wife also loves horticulture. My experience with tours(my garden and others) is that ages range from late 30's up to 70's. I've found most serious gardeners to be over 50.
ladykemma
21 years ago
i'm 39 and love english style and cottage gardening. i thought the town lewes in southern UK had the prettiest "regular people" gardens i have seen.

kemma in katy texas
BeverlyAL
21 years ago
I don't think it is an age thing. I think if you have an interest, once your children are out of the house you have the time and inclination to do it. When your children are small it is hardly worth the effort, trying to keep up with them and really see the gardens. And if you are going to out of state or country gardens you need money for travel which many people don't have when their family is young. I've been trying to see gardens since my 20's but it was difficult when my daughter was little.
Paula_sfbay
21 years ago
You're going to find people of all ages who tell you they like to visit gardens, but I think you want to know what ages visit gardens in significant numbers -- enough to attract advertisers. Why not go to some public gardens in your area and check it out for yourself? You could observe, interview the docents and guides, and get a better feel for the ages they attract than you would by asking us.

I wish you every success -- garden gawking is one of my favorite pastimes.

Paula
gardendad
21 years ago
I am 35 and have been "gawking" for several years now. We're trying to get our kids to appreciate garden gawking as well, to date with only minimal success. I would love to get a copy of your pamphlet.

Thanx-
albin
21 years ago
I am 39 and have been gawking for 20yrs now and gardening for more than 25. I always have my gardens gawked at in tours and by friends.
You can gawk at my latest garden by visiting my website at http://www.thegardengeek.com
and please send me a copy of your new mag.

thanks

Albin
The Garden Geek

Here is a link that might be useful: The Garden Geek
adisim
21 years ago
I'm 29 and have been visiting gardens for about 5 years and that has inspired me to work on my own garden- outdoors and lots of houseplants. I visited as many gardens as I could in England three years ago (Mottisfont Abbey Garden, Scotney Castle Garden and Sissinghurst were incredible in June) and have been seeking out local gardens whenever I travel. Even just walking around neighborhoods and looking at the different gardens- Trondheim, Norway, Charleston, SC, and Kalamazoo, Michigan (near Western Michigan University) have great neighborhoods for wandering.
asturnut
21 years ago
I'm 26 and have been a plant junkie for about 6 years now.
cablueyes_99
20 years ago
I am 26 and CANT get anough plants, soil, info, gawking, wishing lol. I love all there is to love about gardening. Except snails, earwigs, and hail.

Julie
Wendy_the_Pooh
20 years ago
I started as a serious garden-gawker at about age seventeen.
Now I'm a serious gardener as well, over two and a half decades later. My husband says I'm "twenty-one forever".
:-)
Krista Fuchs
20 years ago
I'm 28 and would love to have the time, my friends back home (same age) go on garden tours all the time.
hostasz6a
20 years ago
I'm 54 but have taken my 80 year old mother and 17 year old daughter on tours. My daughter comes up with good ideas on plantings to try at home. Good luck.
diane_v_44
20 years ago
My daddy and Grandmother, gave me the love of gardening. Here I am now 59 years old. As well my four grown kids do enjoy gardening and the grandchildren.
Youngest daughter, travels the world and always looks at botanical and private gardens where ever she is. Gives you direction on your travels and friendly people with things in common to meet with.

Hope your gardening magazine has been successful

Diane
eugeneleek
20 years ago
hi,
I'm looking for information on gardens in New Zealand where I plan to visit the end of Nov this year. It is short notice but I'd appreciate any information I can get.

I've been gawking for about 20 years and I'm a 64 year old widow now.
I'm so busy gardening in Eugene Or in the summer - have to go to New Zealand in the fall.
thanks
leekaden@aol.com
riverview
20 years ago
How do I get a subscription? Re: age of garden travelers: 20 - 30, you garden at home, raise children and visit local gardens' 30 - 50, visit gardens in the states; 50+ you finally have the time and money to venture out into the world; touring European gardens - mostly 60+ - retirees
adilaijaz
20 years ago
I am 21 and have been doing garden gawking for ... lets say ... 7 years informally ... last 3 years seriously =)
Pam_Em
20 years ago
I agree with Paula, the best thing to do is do some research at gardens and with tours etc. I have always loved gardens since trying to grow things as a child with my Mother in an arid area of Western Australia. THough I have loved wandering through Garden Nurseries since my twenties mostly for the peace, I have only recently turned REALLY nutty about gardening at age 47. It might have happened earlier with different circumstances. This forum may not be as accurate a measurement as you need for your purposes. Wish you all the best with your venture.
romando
20 years ago
I'm 29 and take neighborhood walks specifically to gawk, with my toddler in tow in the stroller. I've only been gardening for about 5 years, but have loved flowers and plants since I was a little kid. Send me some subscription info!
White_Wave
20 years ago
I agree with riverview. Under thirty (myself and my family) might not have finances or time to indulge in travel. But we do plan and keep an eye out for what we will do when the budget isn't so tight and junior learns to walk. A magazine would likely have a broader range of age interest than garden tours themselves would indicate.
crewelwanda1
19 years ago
Interested in your publication when you get it started. Please contact me then.
MeMyselfAndI
19 years ago
Wow! This thread is 5 years old! The magazine does sound interesting, but the originator of this thread has never spoken again since the initial post.
cactusjoe1
19 years ago
Yes, MMAI, isn't it simply amazing! This thread started in 2000, and except for year 2001, there has been at least a few replies every year since then. I would have been a sprightly 44 at that time. Now, I am 49!
daisyshapes
19 years ago
At 36, I was the youngest member of a recent garden tour to England by at least ten years (except for the coach driver, who turned 31 during the trip, and courteously insisted I was younger than him!).
hag49
19 years ago
I started taking garden tours when I was 25. Back then, I was the only "greenhorn" amongst the retirees. They would take me under their wing as I was usually solo. I learned a lot from them and heard some great garden tales. Now I'm 50+ and still enjoying garden tours. I've seen some beautiful gardens but must say the private ones usually have been my favorite. I love seeing how other people garden, especially in different countries.
Hilary
Mikey
19 years ago
Mr. & Mrs. Mikey started visiting gardens in our mid to late 40's and the passion grew in our early 50's.
MarianneF
19 years ago
I am 23, loved gardens since a little girl. visited some with my family while still at home. For the last 4 years, I have been living in Europe, and toured through many gardens each year with friends or by myself. I think I will continue till my legs wont carry me any more.

M
SHABDR
19 years ago
As a horticultural and gardening society, we are in provence south of France, we organise garden tour for amateurs. You're rignt most of them are "mature" +50- because at that age you are free, children are independant almost and you may plan your time. To enlarge ours contacts we offer various type of trip like one day journey / WE trip /and 5 or 6 days garden tour. The better thing is to associate each journey with a special event like plant-sales or pruning of trees by specialist / in our area the much succefull visit we have done is around olive trees and making oil in an Xv century mill.
Do you think to cover european gardens too ? I will be interested to give you an hand for this part. Send me a subscription.
I am 40 and visit gardens 'Italy France Spain belgium / UK / USA and Canada for 25 years
Posie
19 years ago
WHERE HAVE ALL THE GRANDMA'S GONE ?!? I've been on my knees for years and have nearly used up my eyesight "gazing" ! Here I am at 74 trying hard for 75 and plan on touring gardens until I'm at least 85 believing that my feet and eyes will both cooperate.
paulinep
18 years ago
I am soon to be 63 and find that I am stimulated creatively by visiting other gardens. Wilmington, NC has a very large spring garden tour (over 52 years old now) and when I moved to Wilmington after retiring from gov't service in DC, I started my first garden. The tours here and elsewhere all have served to inspire things I did in my own garden. I was so desparate to get back into those spring gardens here but in the fall (actually late summer here in Wilmington, NC) that I started the Art in the Gardens Fall tour (just so I could get back into other gardens), oh, and also to benefit our local Arboretum. Anyway, we are in our third year now and over 4,000 people come to our spring tour each year and we are working on getting over 3,000 to the fall tour. My garden was on the spring tour this year and will be on the fall tour.
I never saw a garden I couldn't learn something from.
Pauline

Here is a link that might be useful: My garden and other pictures

Average age of garden gawkers

Comments (61)

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