Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to plants and green spaces, especially through gardens, is beneficial for mental and physical health. Gardens can be enjoyed actively or passively and are sites for both individual reflection and social interactions. The Burton Street Community Peace Gardens were established in 2003 to cultivate a sustainable local economy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of visiting the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens on self-reported health and wellbeing. This study is a cross-sectional survey of adults over 18 years of age who have visited the Burton Street Peace Gardens. A survey, which included both closed- and open-ended questions categorized into basic garden, impact, and personal questions, was administered online from October 2020 to March 2021. The qualitative data questions consider the impact of gardening on the participant’s self-reported health, and the effect it has on healing individual or collective trauma. There were also personal questions on the survey that helped gather quantitative data about the participant’s race, age, and where they live. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using the SurveyMonkey software and Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Survey results suggest that many people use the gardens to walk around and look at sculptures and art that is present throughout the garden. Many respondents report that gardens provide a calming and peaceful environment, and that it provides a good place for reflection and helps them to find perspective on the needs of the community. These findings suggest that local gardens may have a positive impact on individuals, and may even be beneficial for managing health conditions. These results will be used to advocate for more funding for garden space in Asheville.

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