A freedom of information request commissioned by services marketplace, Airtasker, has uncovered a growing source of tension between British neighbours – neglected gardens.

With constant neighbourhood disagreements and complaints caused by overgrown hedges and rubbish-filled spaces on the rise, Brits are reaching out for help – and it was a dream come true for Esya Guir, a frontline worker from Bow, East London, who submitted her garden on Airtasker and got selected as having the UK’s WORST garden!

For years, Esya and her family lovingly tended to their garden, growing two organic apple trees and a pear tree. But following years of family illness and demanding work shifts, the space had become overwhelmed by nettles, weeds and grime.

“My mother, who suffers from multiple health issues, deserves a peaceful space to enjoy. We’ve lovingly nurtured two organic apple trees and a pear tree for over 20 years, but the rest had turned into a wild jungle. Professional help was beyond our means, and I was embarrassed every day to see it.”

That’s when Hugh Flannery, gardening expert on Airtasker, stepped in and transformed the rundown and overgrown garden (see before and after images below).

Hugh, who has completed over 250 five-star-rated tasks on Airtasker, picked up the challenge to give Esha’s backyard a new lease of life – all for just £1,500. The dramatic makeover transformed the once-untameable garden into a tranquil, usable retreat in just two days.

The makeover highlights a growing national issue: Britain’s gardens are falling into disrepair. Airtasker has seen a 127% year-on-year rise in gardening jobs between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, with spring 2025 breaking records for demand.

Hugh Says, “It was wild when I first saw it – nettles everywhere, unruly trees and a lot of rubbish! But there’s nothing more satisfying than giving a family back a garden they can actually enjoy – especially in summer.”

Esya says, “I am so overjoyed with the transformation, Hugh did such a wonderful job – it looks absolutely amazing and I’m looking forward to spending relaxing hours out in the garden enjoying the summer sunshine with my family”. 

As summer peaks and gardens become a focal point for family life, Airtasker is encouraging homeowners to take back control of their green spaces – with help just a few taps away.

Images provided by Wilful Group