IT might not seem like people are thinking about their gardens as they retreat indoors in the face of autumn’s advances, but that doesn’t stop them dreaming about how they would like them to look, according to a survey.

A summer house, swimming pool and vegetable patch make up people’s dream garden.

A study of 2,000 adults found the ideal outdoor space is 88ft long and south facing.

Half of respondents in the West Midlands opted for a flat rather than tiered landscape and 31 per cent chose patio tiles, with 29 per cent preferring wood-look decking.

Other back yard must-haves include a built-in barbecue, a shed and a fire pit. When it comes to the grass, 74 per cent favour the real thing while only 14 per cent would like to have artificial turf.

The research and image were commissioned by roofing sheet company Onduline and found that overall, the average West Midlands dream garden would appear tranquil (53 per cent), colourful (41 per cent) and tidy (39 per cent).

Spokesman Paul Duffy said: “The research proves how important gardens are to residents of the UK and how we all aspire to have a ‘dream garden.’ This has definitely become more apparent during recent months, with increased time spent at home as we have all been day dreaming about what our perfect home and garden would look like.

“What was particularly interesting from the research was seeing how much time people spend in their gardens and outdoor buildings and therefore want it to be the perfect space whether for entertaining, working or relaxing.”

The research also found a third would border their dream garden with a fence, while 26 per cent prefer hedging.

More than half of those in the West Midlands would also like a big enough space to house animals, including chickens (44 per cent), pond animals (41 per cent) and ducks (25 per cent).

From wannabe farmers to active sports players, a tenth would also include a tennis court in their dream garden and another 10 per cent would like an outdoor gym.

It also emerged that on average, those in the West Midlands polled think their perfect garden will cost £4,886.

A fifth would put environmentally friendly products above the expenditure when planning their dream garden and 22 per cent feel it’s important to use sustainable materials outside.

More than half would get professionals in to create their inspirational garden, while a brave 26 per cent would see it as a DIY project.

The study also found that despite 29 per cent being happy with their garden, only 19 per cent feel they have their ‘dream’ garden.

And a tenth even went as far as to say they were embarrassed by their outdoor space.

More than a quarter of those in the West Midlands use their outdoor buildings for relaxing, 13 per cent have them as their work space and 13 per cent enjoy hobbies in them.

Similarly, almost two-thirds of those in the West Midlands use their garden as a place to relax, while a fifth regularly dine outside and 17 per cent use the space to play with their children.

TOP 40 DREAM GARDEN FEATURES

1. Lots of plants

2. Vegetable/fruit patch

3. Summer house

4. Water feature

5. Bird feeder

6. Shed

7. A pathway

8. Hanging baskets

9. Sun loungers

10. Swimming pool

11. Raised flower beds

12. Built-in barbecue

13. Pond/lake

14. Fairy lights

15. Greenhouse

16. Hot tub

17. Dining table

18. Fire pit

19. A bridge over water

20. Garden statues/ornaments

21. Pizza oven

22. Swing bench

23. Hammock

24. Corner sofa

25. Log cabin

26. Outdoor heaters

27. Spotlights

28. Treehouse

29. Pergola

30. Bar

31. Bee house

32. Workshop

33. Orangery

34. Day bed

35. Chiminea

36. Carport/bespoke garage

37. Sauna

38. Log storage

39. Egg chair

40. Trampoline