The expense growing in our gardens

People are most likely to have patio furniture in their garden, spending an average of 121 on tables and chairs, followed by flowers and plants, which have cost around 111, according to price comparison website Confused.com.

Barbecues are the third most popular garden accessory, with two-thirds of people having one, spending around 64 on them, while lawnmowers cost around 141 and sheds and greenhouses set people back by an average of 123.

In addition to these items, many people have gardening tools worth around 141 and decking costing 104, while parents typically keep 50 worth of children's toys in the garden.

A third of people said they spent more money on their garden than any other area of their property, while three-quarters of those questioned said their outdoor space was their favourite part of their home.

But the group warned people to check that the contents of their garden were covered by their home insurance.

Darren Black, head of home insurance at Confused.com, said: "Many assume their garden's contents are covered under home insurance when this is not always the case.

"The cost of replacing these items if they were stolen or damaged could be significant."