RESEARCH

Research on Therapeutic Garden Design for Community Horticulture Based on Sensory Experience Needs

The survey data showed that 85.72% of participants felt that plant color had an impact on their emotions. Additionally, 89.34% of respondents indicated a preference for quiet environments when visiting park.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigated how to design community gardens that can help people feel better by focusing on what they like to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. Researchers used questionnaires to ask people of different ages (children, teenagers, adults, and seniors) about their favorite garden features and activities. They handed out 256 questionnaires in parks and online and got 244 usable responses. The goal was to understand what kind of garden would help people relax and reduce stress. Based on what people said they liked, the researchers wanted to create a plan for community gardens that uses plants and gardening activities to improve people’s well-being.

The study found that most people think plant color affects their mood, and they generally find green, white, and blue flowers most calming. When in a garden, most people preferred a quiet environment. The favorite smells were flowers and the scent of the forest, although preferences varied slightly between age groups. People also indicated they liked touching plants with fleshy leaves and preferred fruit-bearing plants in edible gardens. As for activities, planting flowers was the most popular, followed by flower arranging and making small bouquets.

Link

Xuan, J., Qin, ZB., Li, ZC. et al. (2023). Research on therapeutic garden design for community horticulture based on sensory experience needs. Journal of Sichuan Forestry Science and Technology, 44(4), 125−131

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