MILLIONS of Brits are failing to make the most of their gardens because their WI-FI doesn’t reach outside, according to a study.
Research among 2,000 adults found a quarter would like to watch TV in their garden and one in five would work outside if there was an internet connection.
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A fifth would do their online shopping al-fresco, almost one in six would do online workouts, and more than one in 10 would take their gaming to the garden.
One in three said they would use their outdoor space more if they could get online.
In response to the findings, connectivity provider TalkTalk partnered with tech expert Jason Bradbury to create the ‘Smart Garden of the Future’.
Alongside Jason Bradbury, floral design experts Rebel Rebel, brought the Garden of the Future into bloom, setting the smart tech against a beautiful backdrop of sunflowers, cosmos, salvia, fennel, hydrangea, marigolds, geranium and ivy.
Jonathan Kini of TalkTalk, which commissioned the research to launch its Future Fibre and eero plans, said: “We know how important everyone’s home space has become over the past 12 months – with Brits investing a lot of time, money and care into their spaces.
“Outside spaces really are an extension of the home, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t be connected.”
The research found Britain’s lockdown forced crowded families to re-evaluate how they use their homes, with six in 10 using their gardens more than ever before.
Nearly half used it as an entertainment space whereas nearly two-thirds relied on it for relaxation.
Of those who had upgraded their outdoor areas, tweaks ran from finally sprucing up the borders (46 per cent) to creating home entertainment (13 per cent) or exercise areas (14 per cent).
But, almost four in 10 Brits (39 per cent) are worried the hard work and investment in their outdoor spaces will go to waste through lack of watering or care.
As a result, almost a third polled via OnePoll have considered making modifications to their outdoor areas to make maintenance easier when they’re not at home.
With a powerful Wi-Fi connection, users can install their own ‘smart garden’
Tech expert Jason Bradbury
A further 25 per cent keen to welcome tech-based solutions to help with maintenance.
These could include robot lawn mowers, sensors that know when plants need watering – and bird feeders that refill themselves.
Jason Bradbury said: “As you can imagine, I have a lot of tech devices in my house, tech that makes mine and my family’s everyday lives better.
“With a powerful Wi-Fi connection, users can install their own ‘smart garden’ like the one I helped create, meaning they can enjoy and maintain their outdoor space, even when they’re out of the house.”
Jonathan Kini from TalkTalk added: “Our affordable, new Future Fibre and eero plans provide busy households with the latest technology, superior speeds, extended Wi-Fi signal and reliable performance – so customers can make the most of their space – both indoors and out.”
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Mum transforms her old garden furniture for just £17 and creates a stunning boho escape
