Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research pp 2399–2405Cite as

Gardens and Well-Being

  • Reference work entry

  • 263 Accesses

Synonyms

Healing gardens; Horticultural therapy; People-plant interaction; Plants and well-being

Definition

Being in the presence of plants has a profound effect on human well-being. Coupled with active gardening, passive contact with gardens can enhance cognitive, psychological, social, and physical well-being.

Description

Humankind has, from its earliest origins, valued plants for the utilitarian and aesthetic purposes they serve (Lewis, 1996; Reif, 1997). Plants provide food, shelter from the elements, and natural beauty. Working with, or being in the presence of plants may also have many psychological, physical, and social benefits that go beyond meeting basic needs. Research into people-plant interactions shows that gardening, and spending time in gardens, promotes human well-being. The use of gardens by mental health professionals to improve their clients’ well-being – referred to as horticultural therapy – has found that people-plant interactions affect cognitive,...

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   6,499.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   8,999.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Bunn, D. E. (1986). Group cohesiveness is enhanced as children engage in plant stimulated discovery activities. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 1, 37–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cammack, C., Waliczek, T. M., & Zajicek, J. M. (2002). The green brigade: The psychological effects of a community-based horticultural program on the self-development characteristics of juvenile offenders. Horticultural Technology, 12(1), 82–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cervinka, R., Roderer, K., Hammerle, I., Hemmelmeier-Handel, B., & Hauer, T. (2012). From open and green space at hospitals to healing gardens? Transdisciplinary assessment and recommendations for (re)design. Case study presented at the 22nd International Association of People-Environment Studies Conference, Glasgow, Scotland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cobley, M. (2003). A place to delight the senses and refresh the soul. Journal of Dementia Care, 11(4), 2–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Werner, P. (1998). Visits to an outdoor garden: Impact on behaviour and mood of nursing home residents who pace. In B. J. Vellas & L. J. Fitten (Eds.), Research and practice in Alzheimer’s disease (pp. 419–436). New York: Springer Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper Marcus, C., & Barnes, M. (1995). Gardens in health care facilities: Uses, therapeutic benefits, and design considerations. Martinez, CA: The Center of Health Design.

    Google Scholar 

  • D’Andrea, S. J., Battavia, M., & Sasson, N. (2007–2008). Effect of horticultural therapy on preventing decline of mental abilities of patients with Alzheimer's type dementia. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 18, 9–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Di Iacovo, F., Senni, S., & De Knight, J. (2006). Farming for health in Italy. In J. Hassink & M. van Dijk (Eds.), Farming for health: Green-care farming across Europe and the United States of America. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elings, M. (2006). People-plant interaction. In J. Hassink & M. van Dijk (Eds.), Farming for health. Green-care farming across Europe and the United States of America (pp. 43–55). Wageningen, Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elings, M. (2007). Effects of green-care farms on quality of life of people with a psychiatric and/or drug-addict background. Paper presented at COST Action 866 conference: Green care in agriculture: Health effects, economics and policies. Vienna, Austria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elings, M., & Hassink, J. (2006). Farming for health in the Netherlands. In J. Hassink & M. van Dijk (Eds.), Farming for health. Green-care farming across Europe and the United States of America (pp. 163–179). Wageningen, Netherlands: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elings, M., & Hassink, J. (2008). Green care farms: A safe community between illness or addiction and the wider society. International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, 29, 310–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Furnass, B. (1996). Introduction. In B. Furnass, J. Whyte, J. Harris, & A. Baker (Eds.), Survival, health and wellbeing into the twenty first century (pp. 5–6). Proceedings of a conference held at the Australian National University, 30 November–1 December 1995. Canberra: Nature and Society Forum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gezondheidsraad. (2004). Health council of the Netherlands and Dutch advisory council for research on spatial planning, nature and the environment. Nature and health. The influence of nature on social, psychological and physical well-being. The Hague: Health Council of the Netherlands and RMNO. Retrieved from: http://www.gezondheidsraad.nl/sites/default/files/Nature%20and%20health.pdf.

  • Kaplan, R. (1973). Some psychological benefits of gardening. Environment and Behavior, 5(2), 145–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15, 169–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuo, F. E., Bacaicoa, M., & Sullivan, W. C. (1998). Transforming inner-city landscapes: Trees, sense of safety and preference. Environment and Behavior, 30(1), 28–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kweon, B. S., Sullivan, W. C., & Wiley, A. R. (1998). Green common spaces and the social integration of inner-city older adults. Environment and Behavior, 30(6), 832–858.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lechtzin, N., Busse, A. M., Smith, M. T., Grossman, S., Nesbit, S., et al. (2010). A randomized trial of nature scenery and sounds versus urban scenery and sounds to reduce pain in adults undergoing bone marrow aspirate and biology. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(9), 965–972.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, C. (1996). Green nature/human nature. Chicago: University of Illinois Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowry, C. A., Hollis, J. A., de Vries, A., Pan, B., Brunet, L. R., Hunt, J. R. F., et al. (2007). Identification of an immune-responsive mesolimbocortical serotonergic system: Potential role in regulation of emotional behavior. Neuroscience, 146(2–5), 756–772.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mooney, P. F., & Milstein, S. L. (1994). Assessing the benefits of a therapeutic horticulture program for seniors in intermediate care. In M. Francis, P. Lindsey, & J. C. Rice (Eds.), The healing dimensions of people-plant relations (pp. 173–194). UC Davis: Center for Design Research, Department of Environmental Design, University of California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mooney, P., & Nicell, P. L. (1992). The importance of exterior environment for Alzheimer’s residents: Effective care and risk management. Health Care Management Forum, 5(2), 23–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, B. (1989). Growing with gardening: A twelve-month guide for therapy, recreation, and education. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakamura, R., & Fujii, E. (1992). A comparative study of the characteristics of the electroencephalogram when observing a hedge and a concrete block fence. Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architects, 55, 139–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Namazi, K. H., & Haynes, S. R. (1994). Sensory stimuli reminiscence for patients with Alzheimer’s disease: Relevance and implications. Clinical Gerontologist, 14(4), 29–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien, M. E., Anderson, H., Kaukel, E., O’Byrne, K., Pawlicki, M., et al. (2004). SRL172 (killed Mycobacterium vaccae) in addition to standard chemotherapy improves quality of life without affecting survival, in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Phase III results. Annals of Oncology, 15, 906–914.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ottosson, J., & Grahn, P. (2008). The role of natural settings in crisis rehabilitation: How does the level of crisis influence the response to experiences of nature with regard to measures of rehabilitation? Landscape Research, 33(1), 51–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pallister, M. (2001). A growth area for dementia care. Journal of Dementia Care, 9(5), 12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patel, I. C. (1991). Gardening’s socioeconomic impacts: Community gardening in an urban setting. Journal of Extension, 29, 7–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pretty, J., Peacock, J., Hine, R., Sellens, M., South, N., et al. (2007). Green exercise in the UK countryside: Effects on health and psychological well-being, and implications for policy and planning. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 50(2), 211–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reif, P. D. (1997). People-plant relationships. In S. P. Simson & M. Straus (Eds.), Horticulture as therapy: Principles and practice (pp. 21–42). New York: Food Products Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruiz, J. P., & Gonzalez-Bernaldez, F. (1983). Landscape perception by its traditional users: The ideal landscape of Madrid livestock raisers. Landscape Planning, 6(3–4), 279–297.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sempik, J., Aldridge, J., & Becker, S. (2003). Social and therapeutic horticulture: Evidence and messages from research. Reading/Loughborough: Thrive/Centre for Child and Family Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, V. D., & Aldous, D. E. (1994). Effect of therapeutic horticulture on the self concept of the mildly intellectually disabled student. In M. Francis, P. Lindsey, & J. C. Rice (Eds.), The healing dimensions of people-plant relations (pp. 215–221). UC Davis: Center for Design Research, Department of Environmental Design, University of California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soderback, I., Soderstrom, M., & Schalander, E. (2004). Horticultural therapy: The ‘healing garden’ and gardening in rehabilitation measures at Daderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden. Pediatric Rehabilitation, 7(4), 245–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, A., Kuo, F. E., & Sullivan, W. C. (2001). Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings. Environment and Behavior, 33(1), 54–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, R. S. (1983). Aesthetic and affective response to natural environment. In I. Altman & J. F. Wohlwill (Eds.),Human behavior and environment, Vol. 6. (pp. 85–125). Plenum, NY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224, 420–421.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, R. S. (1986). Human responses to vegetation and landscapes. Landscape and Urban Planning, 13, 29–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, R. S. (1993). Biophilia, biophobia, and natural landscapes. In S. R. Kellert & E. O. Wilson (Eds.), The Biophilia Hypothesis (pp. 73–137). Washington, D.C.: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, R. S., & Parsons, R. (1992). Influences of passive experiences with plants on individual well-being and health. In D. Relf (Ed.), The role of horticulture in human well-being and social development: A national symposium (pp. 93–105). Portland, OR: Timber Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., et al. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Unruh, A. (2004). The meaning of gardens and gardening in daily life: A comparison between gardeners with serious health problems and healthy participants. Acta Horticulturae, 639, 67–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Unruh, A., Smith, A., & Scammell, C. (2000). The occupation of gardening in life threatening illness: A qualitative pilot project. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, 70–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wakefield, S., Yeudall, F., Taron, C., Reynolds, J., & Skinner, A. (2007). Growing urban health: Community gardening in south-east Toronto. Health Promotion International, 22(2), 92–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waliczek, T. M., Mattson, R. H., & Zajicek, J. M. (1996). Psychological benefits of community gardening. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 14, 204–209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waliczek, T. M., Zajicek, J. M., & Lineberger, R. D. (2005). The influence of gardening activities on perceptions of life satisfaction. Horticultural Science, 40(5), 1360–1365.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells, N. M. (2000). At home with nature: Effects of “greenness” on children’s cognitive functioning. Environment and Behavior, 35(3), 311–330.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, E. O. (1993). Biophilia and the conservation ethic. In S. R. Kellert & E. O. Wilson (Eds.), The Biophilia hypothesis (pp. 31–40). Washington DC: Island Press, Shearwater Books.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Counselor Education, The University of Arkansas, 1125 W Maple St, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA

    Arie T. Greenleaf

Authors
  1. Arie T. Greenleaf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arie T. Greenleaf .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada

    Alex C. Michalos

  2. (residence), Brandon, MB, Canada

    Alex C. Michalos

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this entry

Cite this entry

Greenleaf, A.T. (2014). Gardens and Well-Being. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_3967

Download citation

search

Navigation