RESEARCH

What is the Evidence for the Impact of Gardens and Gardening on Health and Well-Being: a Scoping Review and Evidence-Based Logic Model to Guide Healthcare Strategy Decision Making on the Use of Gardening Approaches as a Social Prescription

This scoping review assesses the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being, proposing evidence-based logic models to guide healthcare strategies for using gardening as a social prescription.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, General Population, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health, Better Nutritional Awareness, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Free

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Summary

The study synthesizes findings from 77 studies on the health benefits of gardens and gardening, revealing improvements in mental well-being, increased physical activity, and reduced social isolation. Interventions included viewing gardens, participating in gardening activities, and engaging in structured therapeutic horticulture programs. The findings suggest that gardens and gardening contribute to reduced stress, lower cortisol levels, improved mood, and enhanced social engagement, making them a valuable tool for holistic healthcare.

To guide healthcare strategy and policy, the study presents logic models that illustrate how gardening interventions lead to better health outcomes, particularly for individuals with long-term conditions. While the review highlights strong qualitative and observational evidence, it also notes the need for more rigorous, standardized research designs to better measure the direct effects of gardening on specific health indicators. The authors advocate for integrating gardening into healthcare as a non-medical, community-based intervention to improve public health and well-being.

Link

Howarth, M., Brettle, A., Hardman, M., & Maden, M. (2020). What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being: A scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription. BMJ Open, 10(7), e036923.

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