An increasing number of gardeners are attempting to capitalise from their favourite past-time, according to new research from Barclays Local Business.

The research found that since gardeners often find that work allows them little time to devote to their hobby, a substantial number are starting up their own business in the gardening and horticulture services sector, most notably including gardening services for both public and private spaces.

The south-east, east and East Midlands lead the way in the start-up gardening services sector.

It seems that retired people are also looking to supplement their pensions by earning money from gardening as 1,400 businesses within the sector were started by those aged 65 and over during 2007.

John Davis, marketing director for local business at Barclays said: "The British public are well known to be keen gardeners.

However, faced with ever increasing demands on their leisure time it is their gardens that can fall by the way side.

"It is unsurprising therefore, that a growing number of enterprising people are leveraging their knowledge in this field and looking to combine their favourite pastime whilst capitalising on the current trends brought about by a time poor society."

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