RESEARCH

Community Partnership Through Transformative Justice: The Healing Garden Project at the Oregon State Penitentiary

Participating in a home gardening citizen science project improved people’s attitudes and beliefs about gardening and led to new gardening behaviors a year later. The program also emphasized the importance of support to ensure success, as participants’ confidence in their gardening skills did not improve as much.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

Print Form

Summary

This study looked at whether a home gardening project, where people volunteered to collect data, could make them more interested in gardening. The researchers in Florida had people grow tomato plants at home and tracked their attitudes and beliefs about gardening before and after the project. The study found that people felt more positive about home gardening and thought it would help them in various ways, like improving their living space and mental health. People also felt that their friends and family were more supportive of their gardening efforts after participating.

The study showed that these citizen science projects can get people excited about gardening. However, participants’ confidence in their gardening skills didn’t increase much. The researchers suggested future programs should give people more support and information to help them succeed in their gardens. A year later, participants said they were using new gardening techniques, feeling better overall, and buying more plants. This showed that citizen science can be a helpful way to encourage people to garden and experience its benefits.

Link

Arimoto, M., & Michaux, M.B. (2020). Community partnership through transformative justice: The healing garden project at the Oregon State Penitentiary. In Higher education accessibility behind and beyond prison walls (pp. 281-301). IGI Global.

Other Recommended Research

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.