A recent study has named Rutland England's most gardener-friendly county.

Situated in the East Midlands region of England, Rutland is a county known for its beautiful countryside and picturesque villages.

It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, including rolling hills and vast green spaces. But did you know that Rutland is not only a stunning location to live in, but it is also the perfect place for those looking to pursue their love for gardening?

Rutland has been dubbed a top spot for gardeners in England. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland is officially the most gardener-friendly location in England according to a new study conducted by Easy Garden Irrigation, who analysed and ranked every county in England based on the number of allotments, properties with a garden, garden centres, and clubs.

The follows the support earlier this month from Bluebird Care Stamford and Rutland, of National Allotment Week 2023, in which the local care provider advocated for the mental and physical health benefits of garnering and community allotments.

In line with this, the team at Growers Row on Showground Way hosted an open day to share the work being done in the free-to-all community gardening project at Rutland Showground.

Growers Row can be found at Rutland Showground, Showground Way, Oakham. Image credit: Nub News.

In the Easy Garden Irrigation survey, Rutland boasted consistently high results and was particularly strong in its number of allotments, with 24 sites available in the area. Rutland is also home to two gardening clubs where locals can socialise with other gardening enthusiasts.

As such, Rutland bagged the top spot for local gardeners, among other nationally-acclaimed rural locations.

The top 10 most gardener-friendly counties in England include:

1. Rutland 
2. Devon
3. Surrey
4. Cumbria
5. Norfolk
6. Herefordshire
7. Isle of Wight 
8. Warwickshire
9. Kent
10. Bristol

Local beds are maintained by the teams from Oakham in Bloom and Pepper's- A Safe Space. Image credit: Nub News.

A spokesperson for East Garden Irrigation said: "Gardening is a beloved pastime in the UK. As a team of gardening experts and garden irrigation specialists, we know how important it is for the avid gardeners among us to have a green space nearby, either at home or within their community.

"If you're a gardener based in the UK and are looking to move, or find a good location with all your gardening needs, it's essential to know the regional hotspots. The country boasts a myriad of domestic gardens, allotments, gardening centres and clubs, where both novice and experienced gardeners can hone their skills and connect with others who share their passion. 

"Despite its small size, Rutland is home to a vibrant community of gardeners who are drawn to its natural beauty and peaceful way of life. Rutland boasted consistently high results and was particularly strong in its number of allotments, with 24, and two gardening clubs. This is reflected in the number of gardening clubs per person within the county, where Rutland was ranked in the top five."

Managing Director, Sean Lade, has commented on the findings from this study, explaining: "As a UK-based business owner who supplies garden irrigation products to gardeners and professionals alike, this study has been really insightful. It's impressive to see how well some of the smaller counties did - it's evident that they have tight-knit communities and shared resources!"

This research has revealed that the UK has plenty of thriving and friendly gardening communities, making it easier than ever for the avid gardeners among us to find a suitable county to live in.

It's nearly sunflower season in Rutland, as the county has been dubbed the top gardening spot in the country. Image credit: Nub News.

Find out more online or get in touch with Oakham Nub News to share your outdoor adventures, gardening forays and advice or to share any good news that you have from across the local area.

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