RESEARCH

Equity and Inclusion in the Garden : Factors that Facilitate Immigrants and Refugees Participation in a Community Garden Network in Lansing, MI

The study found that four key factors—social connection, knowledge exchange, diverse personal incentives, and place-based design—collectively helped immigrant and refugee gardeners feel more included in Lansing’s garden network. Participants reported feeling less isolated, more connected to neighbors, and empowered by their ability to grow food, share traditions, and contribute to their new communities.
Program Types: Social
Population Groups: Immigrants/Refugees
Setting or Context: Community Gardens
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation)
Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy
Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion
Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies, Quantitative Research
Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes
Access: Free
Print Form

Summary

This study looked at how community gardens can help immigrants and refugees feel more included and connected in their local communities. Focusing on Lansing, Michigan—where 20% of gardeners in some gardens are immigrants or refugees—the researcher worked closely with three community gardens. She interviewed 11 immigrant and refugee gardeners, led a focus group with garden leaders, and asked participants to sort plant images and draw their ideal garden. The goal was to better understand what motivates these gardeners, how they share and adapt knowledge, and what garden features make them feel welcome and valued.

The study found that community gardens promote inclusion when they encourage social bonding through sharing food, learning from each other, and working together. Gardeners felt more connected when they could grow traditional crops, share their harvest with others, and be seen as active contributors in their neighborhoods. The ability to teach and learn gardening skills, access familiar foods, and find common ground with others helped build a strong sense of community.

Link

https://d.lib.msu.edu/etd/48591

Other Recommended Research

Active Listening in Nature

A simple activity that promotes active listening, sensory awareness and connection with nature. The activity plan includes options for facilitating the activity outdoors in nature, or indoors or virtually with recorded nature sounds.

Compostable Planter Pots

Participants explore a variety of ways to create seed starting pots using recycled materials.

Drying Herbs

Participants explore methods for drying herbs from the garden to use for other activities.

‘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.

“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.

Report

Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware
Harassment or bullying behavior

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .