The experience of nature : a psychological perspective by Kaplan Rachel & Kaplan Stephen

Author:Kaplan, Rachel & Kaplan, Stephen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nature, Environmental psychology
Publisher: Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press
Published: 1989-07-29T16:00:00+00:00

benefits and Lewis documented the pervasive effects of these garden-satisfactions m g projects. As a judge for the competitions, he recognized that much more was happening here than the growth of pretty blossoms. From the perspective of "beautification," of making these rather desolate areas look more attractive, the effects of the competitions can be viewed in terms of "amenities." But Lewis's perceptive analysis left no doubt that these flower patches brought with them many other benefits as well.

To guard the cherished plants, neighbors organized window watches with scheduled shifts so that upper-floor residents could mobilize ground-floor "co-workers" in the event that protective action was needed. Thus the gardening projects required cooperation among tenants and even some talent in organizing. Lewis also tells of elaborate schemes where adjacent areas were painted to coordinate with the flowers. Thus the area that was transformed was much greater than the flower garden itself. The results of these various efforts were indeed cleaner areas - one would not want a littered sidewalk in front of prized zinnias - and generally more attractive housing projects. In the public housing context these "improvements" reflect community pride, reduced stigma, and substantially enhanced self-esteem. 3

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF GARDENING

From Lewis's sensitive observations it is clear that the tenant flower competitions nurtured more than flowers. The mere sight of these areas provided pride and joy, even to those who did not participate directly. For the active participants, the benefits were even more extensive. From observations and casual exchanges with these and other gardeners one can learn a great deal. The conference proceedings on the "meanings of the garden" (Francis & Hester, 1987), for example, provides a rich assortment of insights about the many ways in which gardening makes a difference to people.

Ideally, however, one would also have some more systematically collected data to document the types of benefits derived from this activity. Unfortunately, there has been relatively little research on the psychological dimensions of gardening. Here again, as with any research, the choice of method can make a difference. For example,

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