{"id":62,"date":"2025-05-22T13:27:43","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T20:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/?page_id=62"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T20:51:17","slug":"preface-connecting-people-and-plants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/preface-connecting-people-and-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Preface: Connecting People and Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-hero wsu-width--full wsu-pattern--wsu-light-radial-left  wsu-hero--style-boxed \">\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__background\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fill\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_656299156.jpeg\"\n\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_656299156.jpeg 1349w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_656299156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_656299156.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_656299156.jpeg 768w\"\n\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1349px) 100vw, 1349px\"\n\t\talt=\"Happy african american grandparents and grandchildren watering plants in sunny garden\"\n\t\tstyle=\"object-position: 71% 41%\"\n\t\t\/>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__overlay\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__inner-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"wsu-hero__title\">Preface:<br>Connecting People<br>and Plants<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-max-width--xlarge\"><strong>Updated and revised by<\/strong><br><strong>Jennifer Marquis<\/strong>, Master Gardener Program Leader, Washington State University Extension Excerpted and adapted with permission for Washington State from the <em>Georgia Master Gardener Handbook, 8th Edition, <\/em>&#8220;Chapter 32: Connecting People and Plants&#8221;, written by <strong>Natalie Bumgarner<\/strong>, <strong>Sheri Dorn<\/strong>, <strong>Bodie Pennisi<\/strong>, <strong>Dave Close<\/strong>, <strong>Kerry Smith<\/strong>, <strong>Rick Durham<\/strong>, <strong>Pam Bennett<\/strong>, <strong>Heather Kirk-Ballard<\/strong>, <strong>Jeff Kuehny<\/strong>, <strong>Carl Evensen<\/strong>, <strong>Robert F. Polomski<\/strong>, <strong>Ellen Bauske<\/strong>, <strong>Terri James<\/strong>, and <strong>Katie Walberg<\/strong>. Figures, and some captions, amended to reflect examples from Washington State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\" id=\"learning-objectives\">Learning Objectives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Describe the breadth of consumer horticulture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify the economic, environmental, community, and health benefits associated with gardens and landscapes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Summarize consumer horticulture benefits to society and the environment, ranging from individuals to the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Topics Covered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wsu-menu--style-sidebar\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/preface-connecting-people-and-plants\/#introduction\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/preface-connecting-people-and-plants\/#introduction\">Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#preface-individuals-families\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#preface-individuals-families\">Individuals and Families<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Residential_Areas\" data-type=\"URL\">Housing and Residential Areas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Communities-and-Schools\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Communities-and-Schools\">Communities and Schools<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Connecting-People\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Connecting-People\">Connecting People<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Enriching-Schools\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Enriching-Schools\">Enriching Schools<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Businesses-Jobs-Workplaces\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Businesses-Jobs-Workplaces\">Businesses, Jobs, and Workplaces<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#The-Environment\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#The-Environment\">The Environment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Leading-the-Way\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Leading-the-Way\">Leading the Way<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Preface-Summary\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Preface-Summary\">Summary<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Preface-Discussion-Questions\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Preface-Discussion-Questions\">Discussion Questions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Preface-Acknowledgments\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Preface-Acknowledgments\">Acknowledgments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Preface-Further-Reading\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Preface-Further-Reading\">Further Reading<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\" id=\"introduction\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-max-width--xlarge\">Quite simply, the connection point between people and plants is <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/glossary\/#c\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/glossary\/#c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>consumer horticulture<\/strong> (opens in new window)<\/a> (CH). This connection includes the cultivation, use, and enjoyment of plants, gardens, landscapes, and related horticultural items to the benefit of individuals, communities, and the environment. More than three-quarters (77 percent) of US households take part in indoor or outdoor gardening activities. This adds up to a significant economic impact. Consumers annually spend nearly $48 billion on do-it-yourself, garden-related items while also supporting the $54.7 million horticulture service industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone benefits from plants, regardless of whether an individual personally engages in the actual tending or cultivating of plants. Communities benefit from CH through tree-lined streets, a public park or garden, a farmers market, a nursery or u-pick farm, a teaching garden, a landscaped shopping center, a walking trail, or any space where humans and plants meet. CH touches the lives of everyone in a community, whether in a bustling downtown area, the open countryside, or anywhere in between (Figure 1). This point of intersection is where CH resides, supporting human health, community beautification, environmental stewardship, <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/glossary\/#l\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/glossary\/#l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>local food<\/strong> (opens in new window)<\/a>, and more. Garden enthusiasts are well positioned to highlight, facilitate, and grow the connection between people and plants in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-before--large wsu-spacing-after--large wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01A-4-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"A person biking along a paved pathway next to flower beds in a public space.\" class=\"wp-image-196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01A-4-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01A-4-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01A-4-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01A-4-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01A-4-2048x1463.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 1. From urban landscaping to county parks, consumer horticulture touches the lives of everyone in a community because of its breadth. Photo credits: Master Gardener Foundation of Chelan County image repository (left); Noelle Hart\/WSU (right).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01B-4-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"A man watches a toddler who treks through tall fescues and forbs in a green field.\" class=\"wp-image-197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01B-4-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01B-4-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01B-4-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01B-4-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/07\/Fig_01B-4-2048x1463.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\" id=\"preface-individuals-families\">Individuals and Families<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Horticulture and plants can benefit individuals and families by supporting health and <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/glossary\/#w\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/glossary\/#w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>well-being<\/strong> (opens in new window)<\/a>. Consumer horticulture involving plants, gardens, parks, and green spaces provides fresh food and personal connections. Furthermore, gardening and interacting with plants can reduce stress and tension, as well as provide physical activity and improved nutrition that lessen chronic health risks (Figure 2).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-after--xlarge wsu-spacing-margin-left--xlarge\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_02-1024x912.jpg\" alt=\"Two people working together in a raised bed in a big garden space.\" class=\"wp-image-139\" width=\"477\" height=\"425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_02-1024x912.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_02-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_02-768x684.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_02.jpg 1438w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 477px) 100vw, 477px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 2. Viewing and tending plants has a positive impact on stress levels and supports mental restoration. Photo credit: Master Gardener Foundation of Chelan County image repository.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Physical and Nutritional Benefits <\/em><br><em>of Consumer Horticulture<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-spacing-before--default wsu-spacing-after--default\">The busy hustle and bustle of everyday life makes it challenging to balance professional demands and family obligations with physical activity and healthy diets. Gardening activities are well suited to meet the daily physical activity endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA). Gardening tasks use both upper and lower body strength. Digging, fertilizing, weeding, raking, and tying plants to stakes provide moderate-intensity physical activity comparable to a brisk walk, swimming, dancing, and biking. Two-and-a-half hours of these activities satisfy AHA\u2019s weekly physical activity guidelines for adults. For children aged 6 to 17, an hour of gardening can meet the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-spacing-before--default wsu-spacing-after--default\">Gardening can also provide healthy fruits and vegetables for adequate nutrition. Plants are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential to health, and when a household grows fresh fruits and vegetables, the entire family tends to eat more of them. Children who participate in growing vegetables are more likely to try or eat a broader selection of vegetables (Figure 3).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--xxlarge\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_03-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"A toddler watering a plant from a little watering can in terraced raised beds.\" class=\"wp-image-140\" width=\"384\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_03-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_03-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_03-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_03-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_03-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 3. Growing vegetables can increase the diversity of an individual\u2019s diet, provide exercise, improve nutrition, and even encourage a child to try a new food. Photo credit: Jim Kropf.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-spacing-before--xsmall\">The benefits of gardening are not limited to growing food; they extend to any type of gardening that involves physical activity. Gardening tasks help people remain active, reducing the risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, osteoarthritis, and many types of cancers that have been directly linked to obesity. Growing a vegetable garden, tending flower gardens, and maintaining landscapes offer physical activity and nutritious, low-calorie foods essential for maintaining a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Mental and Emotional Benefits <\/em><br><em>of Consumer Horticulture<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to physical and nutritional health benefits, gardening provides important mental well-being benefits. The repetitive tasks associated with gardening are reported to be relaxing and offer mental restoration and focus recovery. Many gardeners report \u201cstress relief\u201d and therapeutic benefits resulting from the emotional processing that comes while tending gardens and plants. Gardeners listed mental benefits from gardening, such as a sense of purpose, relaxing, and forgetting worries. Studies have shown that exposure to plants while recovering from surgery or being in the hospital has improved recovery. Gardening can enhance the ability to respond and rebound after difficulties, such as stress or illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gardening can meet human needs for personal choice, mastery and competence, and a sense of relationship to others. Designing a garden space, selecting which plants to grow, or deciding on flower color are examples of personal choice. Selecting a preferred garden tool may meet that need for a child in the garden. Whether to grow edible plants or those that are purely ornamental is entirely up to the gardener. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Success in the garden leads to an increase in self-esteem for both adults and youth. Opportunities to achieve success and demonstrate competency abound in the garden. A sense of pride and purpose result from growing and harvesting that first radish or tomato, or from arranging a vase of cut flowers. Plants teach youth and adults alike about patience, delayed gratification, and nurturing. Helping with the garden and its related tasks provide opportunities to teach good work habits and understand the process of growing food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"Residential_Areas\">Housing and Residential Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants in and around the places people live produce neighborhood satisfaction and help build healthy social connections. Attractive landscapes stimulate the senses of sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. In addition to visually framing the home, a landscape can complement the home\u2019s architecture and provide outdoor living space for gardening, social gatherings, and recreation. A landscape comprised of appropriate, well-designed plantings contributes economic value through \u201ccurb appeal\u201d\u2014the public\u2019s view of the front yard from the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Numerous studies conducted in the eastern, central, southwestern, and southeastern US reveal that a well-designed and managed landscape contributes 5 to 12 percent to the perceived value of single-family homes. A study on single family homes in Texas reported the combined curb appeal of a home\u2019s exterior features and surrounding landscape can contribute up to 17 percent of a property\u2019s value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trees have consistently been shown to positively influence property values. In Georgia, the sales of single-family homes with more than five trees in the front yard were associated with a 3.5 to 4.5 percent increase in sales prices compared to homes with fewer trees. Similarly, 2 percent of the value of a single-family house was attributed to mature trees in a Louisiana study, while a Florida study calculated a property value increase of $1,586 per tree. Urban and street trees have also been shown to increase property values. Three percent of the median home sales price in a Portland, Oregon, study was attributed to street trees, while a community study in Ohio found that the urban forest contributed to nearly 11 percent of home sales prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The positive influence on residential and community property values does not account for the total economic value provided by the urban forest. Trees within urban or suburban living environments also provide air quality improvements, energy savings, stormwater and erosion control, aesthetics, and enhanced quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Plants in Neighborhoods Improve Quality of Life<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to providing physical activity and fresh food for individuals and families, the plants and landscapes in neighborhoods and housing areas provide numerous emotional and well-being benefits. A recent review of literature on plant-derived human benefits found more than 100 articles focused on the social or psychological benefit of plants in forests, parks, home gardens, community gardens, and other public spaces. Research studies show that the plants in neighborhoods are associated with attention restoration and relaxation and have a positive impact on physical, social, and mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"Preface-Figure-4\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_04-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A large group of people congregating in shade in a public space.\" class=\"wp-image-151\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_04-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_04-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_04-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_04.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 4. Gardens, parks, and green spaces provide places for people to gather and socialize. Photo credit: Noelle Hart.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Outdoor activities also provide opportunity for people to meet, converse, and oversee the neighborhood. Garden tasks, such as watering and fertilizing personal plants or those of a neighbor, help people observe growth and realize what it means to be needed. Tending the garden offers valuable focused time for families to converse, share, and interact, all of which support feelings of relatedness and belongingness and create family traditions. A family\u2019s gardening example often encourages other families to start gardens, and sharing knowledge and experiences encourages fellowship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gardens provide safe areas for exchange and social events, such as conversing with neighbors or even having a neighborhood picnic (Figure 4). Additional community benefits include a sense of mutual appreciation and support, pride of place, and development of social networks. The garden offers newcomers space to have plants that reflect their cultural practices and specific foods that make a new house feel like home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing plants can make neighborhoods safer places to live. It gets people outside, talking with others, and increases awareness of the people and patterns of the neighborhood. This can help reduce crime, graffiti, litter, and verbal aggression among residents. The plants cultivated in the places people live sends a message that someone cares and that a property is valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-font-size--xlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\" id=\"Communities-and-Schools\">Communities and Schools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The presence of shared green space enhances the overall well-being of a community, from neighborhoods to schools. It also benefits the local economy. Parks and gardens are favored sites for educational, civic, and social events at which people can connect and build community. Some parks are celebrated as living art work, attracting seasonal visitors and contributing to the local economy. Landscaped homes and streetscapes are appreciated by everyone, both people who live nearby and those simply passing through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"900\" height=\"374\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/Fig_05ab-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/Fig_05ab-2.jpg 900w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/Fig_05ab-2-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2026\/03\/Fig_05ab-2-768x319.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 5. Gardens, such as the Seattle Japanese Garden, create a sense of place and generate tourism revenue for the community. Photo credits: Noelle Hart.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Arboreta, public gardens, and parks have their own identity and influence the character of their regions and cities. Central Park, Missouri Botanical Garden, Bartlett Arboretum, and Balboa Park are just a few from the long list of urban green spaces across the US that influence the character of their regions and cities. Their planned intent was, and still is, to shape a sense of place and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These gardens and parks influence local prosperity as well as culture (Figure 5). The Greater Philadelphia Gardens, a large network of public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes, attracts 2.5 million visitors annually and has a regional economic impact of $256 million. The Biltmore is an iconic example of a national landmark, known for its gardens and natural surroundings. In 2016, the Biltmore Company contributed $583 million to the total tourism impact in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Nationally, America\u2019s public gardens generate $2.3 billion in community impact and are important tourist destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a Biltmore or Balboa Park may not be feasible in every city, a public garden, park, or cultural site has potential for valuable direct use by residents, contributing to community cohesion. These green spaces increase the property value of residences and businesses nearby and reduce the costs of both urban stormwater and air pollution management. Public green spaces (Figure 5) are sites for family occasions, special events, tournaments, festivals, and more, all of them providing public gathering and recreation places in peaceful surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-680x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A glass-art exhibit surrounded by lush and flowering ground covers. Vines scale a building in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-143\" width=\"340\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-680x1024.jpg 680w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-768x1156.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-1021x1536.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-1361x2048.jpg 1361w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_06-scaled.jpg 1701w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 6. Chihuly Garden and Glass at the Seattle Center features permanent displays of intermixed glass art integrated with gardens. Photo credit: Noelle Hart.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"Connecting-People\">Connecting People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Green spaces offer a point of connection between plants and people. Parks are venues for the arts, whether by permanent displays, arts education, performances, or movie nights (Figure 6). Parks foster human connections and residents\u2019 devotion to a community through both formal and informal interactions. A city\u2019s park network significantly affects residents\u2019 quality of life and facilitates a sense of community. By default, community engagement is a feature of the ongoing use and management of public green space, requiring civic collaboration, shared ownership, and joint responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Urban greenways offer increased opportunities to socialize, via pedestrian and bicycle commutes, physical recreation, and casual enjoyment of nature. Well-planned open spaces can improve municipal services, increase nearby property values, and attract people without substantially increasing municipal expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gardens and landscapes can also have therapeutic value. Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term to describe spending time in forests, reduces stress and decreases the risk of psychosocial stress-related diseases (Figure 7). Greening the physical environment reduces social aggression by creating social ties. Turning vacant lots into clean, park-like settings increases residents\u2019 perception of safety. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_07-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"People walking a forested trail. Ferns dot the edges along the path.\" class=\"wp-image-144\" width=\"482\" height=\"354\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 7. The restorative benefits of being in close proximity to trees are at the heart of the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku. Photo credit: Noelle Hart.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Community gardens are common space environments that encourage social connection, support human relationships, and increase access to fresh food (Figure 8). Tending a garden becomes an outlet, or focused time, where people talk, share, interact, and grow food. The gardens also provide opportunities for social activities that enhance community belonging and ownership, encouraging cohesion. Social connections made at the garden can bring together people of different cultures to achieve a common goal. While these gardens often bridge the gap between people and plants, they prioritize food production for members, increasing the consumption of fresh produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"Enriching-Schools\">Enriching Schools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Students excel when schools provide access to green spaces, such as areas planted with trees, shrubs, and ground covers. According to attention restoration theory, students need a restoring environment to relieve the normal weariness from studying and to regain attention. Time spent outdoors and window views of green spaces create restorative experiences that help students focus, recover from mental fatigue, regain attention, and improve cognitive functions. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large wsu-spacing-after--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"Preface-Figure-8\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_08-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A painted sign posted in front of a wooden fence reads \u201cWahkiakum Community Garden.\u201d Illustrated vegetables border the edges of the sign.\" class=\"wp-image-145\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_08-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_08-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_08-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_08-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_08-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 8. Community gardens, like the Wahkiakum Community Garden, offer places to grow food and make connections between neighbors. Photo credit: Master Gardener Foundation of Chelan County image repository.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Students in classrooms that incorporate a wall of green plants score better on tests for selective attention, as they are able to better distinguish relevant details from less relevant ones. Plants in or near the classroom increase students\u2019 attention, memory, and test scores and reduce sick time and behavioral issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studying plants helps students master content in many disciplines while also learning life skills and improving self-confidence. School gardens connect students to food and nature. Children benefit from experiences with plants that enrich their education and enhance their cognitive development (Figure 9). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Active and passive contact with nature plays a role in early brain development. Walking 20 minutes in an urban park improves attention control for preschool and primary grade students. The overall level of greenness surrounding a child\u2019s home, school, and home-to-school commute impacts their performance on cognitive tests. More green relates to higher performance. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_09-1024x545.jpg\" alt=\"Three people demonstrate the contents of their wheelbarrow. Each wheelbarrow holds a variety of vibrant flowers or vegetables in containers. \" class=\"wp-image-146\" width=\"512\" height=\"273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_09-1024x545.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_09-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_09-768x408.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_09-1536x817.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_09-2048x1089.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 9. School gardens serve as valuable instructional tools for teachers. Students benefit from time in the garden as well. Pictured here, produce grown by youth at the Benton\/Franklin Juvenile Justice Center Garden that is donated to local food banks. Photo credit: Master Gardener Foundation of Chelan County image repository.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Children\u2019s behavior is also influenced by the outdoor environment. Routine play time in green settings reduces the symptoms of attention deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All children benefit from green time. Experiences with nature motivate them to explore and discover in a nonstructured environment. This informal learning has a well-documented impact on cognitive and physical development, communication skills, and connecting children to the natural world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter the design, type, or size of shared green spaces, they are multi-resource assets for cities large and small. Parks, a gardens, and greenways present daily enrichment opportunities where people work, play, visit, learn, and live.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"Preface-Figure-10\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728-830x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A flowering tree surrounded by hardscape within an urban center.\" class=\"wp-image-147\" width=\"415\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728-830x1024.jpg 830w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728-243x300.jpg 243w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728-768x947.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728-1245x1536.jpg 1245w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728-1661x2048.jpg 1661w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_10-scaled-e1749062162728.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 10. Plants and landscaping in business districts can increase sales levels and improve consumer perceptions of individual businesses. Photo credit: Noelle Hart.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"Businesses-Jobs-Workplaces\">Businesses, Jobs, and Workplaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants are a living connector that integrate diverse businesses and services. The green industry\u2014the business of growing, designing, installing, and maintaining residential landscapes\u2014is an important element of the economy. People who purchase plants and related goods directly drive the green industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retailers have noticed that customers are drawn to attractive landscapes. Whether to directly attract consumers, enhance aesthetics to attract future clients, or recruit future employees, the business-service aspect of the commercial horticulture and landscape sector revolves around the consumer. Customers form opinions about retail businesses based on external visual factors, so it is not surprising that landscape aesthetics can attract visitors and positively impact the prices at retail sites like restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Streetscape trees (Figure 10), especially those with full tree canopies, can increase the perception and quality rating of shopping areas. Interestingly, the quality of streetscapes in city centers has been used to gain competitive advantages over larger discount stores. Willingness to pay for a variety of products was more than nine percent higher in retail areas with high quality tree coverage, and shoppers were willing to travel farther.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of real estate, the quality and maturity of the landscape is an important component with the potential to increase rental rates by three to six percent. Environmentally designed buildings with plant components, such as buildings with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, have eight percent higher occupancy rates. In New York, apartment buildings with green roofs had 16 percent higher rent rates (Figure 11).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"Preface-Figure-11\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_11-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Raised beds display various short, ornamental trees or bushes within a hardscape environment.\" class=\"wp-image-148\" width=\"500\" height=\"372\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 11. Rooftop gardens offer attractive solutions for stormwater management while simultaneously providing an attractive location to rest, study, or socialize. Photo credit: Jennifer Marquis.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Environmentally, there are a range of benefits from incorporating horticulture and green infrastructure. The benefits can sometimes extend to utility bills or tax credits as municipalities provide rewards to businesses that help reduce storm-water management and other city costs. Greening of commercial properties can also reduce energy demands and cooling costs. While initial costs of green infrastructure may be higher, the cost over the life span can be lower due to longer use or reduced maintenance costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Workplace and Employee Benefits <\/em><br><em>of Consumer Horticulture<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ornamental plants have been integrated into workplaces for decades with many documented benefits. Anxiety reduction is a benefit of both indoor plants and nature views, along with possible reductions in sick leave when indoor plants are present. Improved mood and air quality can result from plants in indoor environments, although gender and other factors may be related to mood impacts. Plants in the workplace have also been shown to improve the quality of life ratings of employees. Employees with office plants even rated their supervisors and coworkers higher than those without plants in the office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The relationship between people and plants in the workplace ranges from creating a comfortable, personal space and improving the climate to a means to cope with boredom or fatigue. There are opportunities for enhancing creativity in the office or the overall workplace. Plants in the workplace support an increase in productivity and can benefit creative and rote tasks. A 12 percent increase in computer task speed as well as lower blood pressure was seen in windowless computer labs when interior plants were included. Even in modern workplaces, where lean practices are used and efficiency is paramount, the inclusion of plants is beneficial for satisfaction as well as productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are many potential benefits from plants being integrated in the workplace, accessing nature or viewing it from the office are both important. Views of less groomed areas with native grasses can actually be better for employees than highly groomed sights. Trees, both their size and number, were one of the highest factors related to satisfaction with outdoor settings around a place of work, and even the sight of paths can be important to workers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being able to easily see these outdoor features was a large factor in satisfaction as well. Half of surveyed employees were actually willing to assist in managing the nature around their work. Research continues, but it is clear that plants are much more than just aesthetically pleasing. They are valued for their appearance as well as their ecological and environmental contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"The-Environment\">The Environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tall shade trees can reduce solar heating. Shade and evapotranspiration from trees can reduce summer air temperatures by as much as 6\u00b0F, while cooler shaded air near the ground level can reduce outdoor temperatures by as much as 25\u00b0F. Vegetation in lawns can also reduce urban heat through transpiration. Afternoon air temperatures measured 16 inches above turfgrass have been reported as 40\u00b0 to 70\u00b0F cooler than temperatures above asphalt or concrete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In temperate regions, tall deciduous trees on the south-facing side of homes and midsize trees on the western side block summer solar radiant heat. In the winter, the leafless trees allow the sun to warm the home. Smaller trees, shrubs, and vines can also be used to lower the radiant heat exposure on the home\u2019s walls and windows to reduce energy costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In temperate climates, deciduous and evergreen trees can block prevailing northern winter winds, lowering the windchill and reducing winter energy budgets by an average of 40 percent. Dense combinations of trees and shrubs on the windward side of a property can also create a living snow fence. Properly placed trees and shrubs can provide a path for wind that can help with cooling in warm seasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The homes, gardens, businesses, parks, communities, and cities where people live and work are a complex mixture of built environments and biological systems. Lawns, gardens, parks, and the many other green spaces in these physical environments actually consist of diverse biological communities, called ecosystems. The plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms that make up these ecosystems provide many human benefits. They clean polluted air, prevent soil erosion, and improve water absorption into soil while supporting pollinators, wildlife, and humans. As the US becomes more urban, protecting the function of these valuable ecosystems depends on residents actively supporting plant and soil health, as well as water and air quality, where they live and work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communities composed of residents who appreciate the role of plants in their homes and gardens will increasingly value and support green spaces in public settings and natural areas. Natural ecosystems need plants to hold the soil in place, protect water and air quality, and support pollinators and wildlife. Consumers are introduced to soil and water stewardship through the plants in their gardens, landscapes, and communities. These CH elements provide the tangible plant-soil-water-people connection that reinforces how the investment in gardens, lawns, and landscapes can support good soil and water quality. These people-plant interactions benefit the broader environment and society because residents practice stewardship on private property and learn to value plants and green spaces in public areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Air Quality and Climate<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People work and live in areas increasingly affected by air pollutants from industry, transportation, and other sources that can contribute to health issues. However, trees, plants, and green spaces can mitigate poor air quality and reduce health risks by removing harmful gases and particulates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Water Stewardship<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Urban development dramatically affects the movement of water in the landscape as soil is compacted and degraded by development or covered by buildings, roads, and parking lots. As a result, the capacity of the soil to infiltrate, filter, and store water is diminished, and more precipitation runs off the site (stormwater) that must be managed by costly stormwater management systems. This all has implications for streams in the urban environment. The ecological quality and function of urban streams decrease because of excessive erosion, sedimentation (eroded soil), and pollutants. Increasing green space in urban areas with rain gardens, green roofs, wetlands, and bioswales (vegetated ditches) can all help mitigate the negative effects of urban stormwater runoff on local water systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Water stewardship also includes water-smart landscaping. Municipal water use in the landscape can be reduced by following best practices, such as making informed plant choices matched to site conditions, choosing drought-tolerant plants that require little supplemental irrigation, mulching to conserve soil moisture, and using smart irrigation systems to minimize water waste. Water conservation, even on a small scale, such as rain gardens and rain barrels, can result in financial benefits for both the homeowner and municipality by reducing the volume of wastewater requiring treatment thereby decreasing the size and need for large sewer systems and retention ponds.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\" id=\"Preface-Figure-12\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_12-scaled-e1749063552744-1024x758.jpg\" alt=\"A cluster of flowers surrounded by hardscape. The same flower types also border the hardscape along the edges. People mingle in a gazebo in the background behind a large sign that reads \u201cBe Kind to Pollinators.\u201d\" class=\"wp-image-149\" width=\"484\" height=\"329\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Wildlife and Pollinator Support<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to realize the many human and ecological benefits of urban wildlife, landscapes should be designed and managed to support a range of organisms (Figure 12). Urban and suburban areas can create challenges for wildlife and pollinators because the vegetation is often scattered and sparse, which can disrupt wildlife movement. However, urban environments can still be quite valuable for supporting pollinators and wildlife if plants are selected and managed well. For instance, the diversity of floral resources in urban areas has been shown to support a range of pollinators and could be a key component in conservation of pollinators under pressure of reduced natural habitat. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-margin-left--large\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/06\/Fig_12b-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A small green frog peaks out from within a large crimson flower.\" class=\"wp-image-150\" width=\"350\" height=\"452\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure 12. Landscapes should be designed, planted, and maintained to support a range of creatures, including humans, birds, insects, and other animals. Photo credit: Master Gardener Foundation of Chelan County image repository.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It is important to understand that there are many small, individual steps that can create long-term positive change to the immediate landscape and natural surroundings. When aggregated across many residences, these positive benefits ripple through communities and the broader environment. The first step, though, is always local and individual environmental stewardship. People must understand the impact their own actions have on the environment and make sustainable gardening choices to conserve and protect their natural surroundings while at the same time supporting similar community initiatives and social actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked\" id=\"Leading-the-Way\">Leading the Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research has shown that intentional and ecologically sound residential gardening practices can have a positive impact on biodiversity. Garden enthusiasts are uniquely positioned to be leaders in shaping Washington communities by introducing people to plants and increasing awareness of the significance of engaging with plants. The educational programming offered by WSU Extension and supported by Master Gardeners is aimed at increasing individual awareness of garden and landscape practices that support health and well-being at every level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When teaching youth and adults how to install trees and plants, remember to tell them why these plants are important to human health and well-being. Trees and plants can sequester carbon, capture air pollutants, and improve the climate in the local area. They can improve social interactions in residential areas and academic performance for students. These plants make neighborhoods and communities desirable places to live and work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to connect gardening activities to water stewardship. Explain how plants and landscapes play an essential role in having clean water to drink. Practices that retain water on residential property mean more water in the soil for plant use and lower volumes of water causing issues downstream. Installing bioswales and rain gardens helps to slow down runoff and increase infiltration on a small scale which helps on a larger scale to reduce urban flooding, improve groundwater recharge, and support healthier streams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take advantage of the opportunity to teach youth and adults about the value of plants and gardens within the greater environment. Diverse mixes of plants provide a wide range of nectar, pollen, and host plants to support specific insects and improve ecosystem health. Stay informed of new plant species and cultivars that are well suited to challenging urban environments. Connect maintenance practices, such as mowing height and pesticide use, to more diverse and abundant insect communities. Encourage the tolerance of some weeds so that insects might have nectar when other plants are not flowering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"Preface-Summary\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants are good for people in many ways. They support both mental and physical human health, help care for the environment, and support the economy. Garden enthusiasts have a prime opportunity to increase youth and adult understanding of the role of plants in human health and well-being as well as to embrace the economic and environmental benefits they give. Educational projects led by Master Gardeners connect people to the incredible benefits of plants. Teaching about the positive impacts that plants have in their communities contributes to healthier, greener communities across Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium\" id=\"Preface-Discussion-Questions\">Discussion Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Describe the aspects of consumer horticulture, such as the industries and specialties involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How does the breadth of consumer horticulture challenge Extension\u2019s efforts to deliver unbiased, research-based information?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name at least five benefits of consumer horticulture to people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How does consumer horticulture contribute to a local economy?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why are home landscapes an important part of local ecosystems?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-font-size--xlarge\" id=\"Preface-Acknowledgments\">Acknowledgments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This chapter originally appeared as a six-part publication series written to educate residents about the beneficial roles of consumer horticulture. It was collaboratively developed by the Consumer Horticulture Extension, Research, and Education Coordinating Committee (SCC-85), organized through the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors. SCC-85 includes members from Auburn University, Clemson University, University of Kentucky, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, Louisiana State University, The Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, University of Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. Full citations are included in the original publications within the Further Reading section (links below). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SCC-85 also operates as the NICH Academic\/Government Council and serves to connect the academic horticulture community to the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH). NICH is a consortium of industry leaders who are promoting the benefits and value of horticulture. NICH brings together academia, government, industry, and nonprofits to cultivate the growth and development of a healthy world through landscapes, gardens, and plants\u2014indoors and out. NICH envisions growing a healthy world through the art, science, and business of plants, gardens, and landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked\" id=\"Preface-Further-Reading\">Further Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bumgarner, N., S. Dorn, D. Close, K. Smith, R. Durham, and K. Walberg. 2019. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/uthort.tennessee.edu\/people-and-plants\/\" target=\"_blank\">Consumer Horticulture: Connecting People and Plants (opens in new window)<\/a>. <em>University of Tennessee Extension Publication<\/em> W859-A. University of Tennessee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bumgarner, N., R. Durham, and K. Walberg. 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/publications.mgcafe.uky.edu\/sites\/publications.ca.uky.edu\/files\/HO126.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/publications.mgcafe.uky.edu\/sites\/publications.ca.uky.edu\/files\/HO126.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Horticulture Benefits for Business, Workplaces, and Employees (links to PDF document)<\/a>. <em>University of Kentucky Extension Publication<\/em> HO-126. University of Kentucky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dorn, S., H. Kirk-Ballard, N. Bumgarner, and K. Walberg. 2020. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lsuagcenter.com\/profiles\/aiverson\/articles\/page1587053278177\" target=\"_blank\">Consumer Horticulture Benefits for Individuals and Families (opens in new window)<\/a>. <em>Louisiana State Extension Publication<\/em> PUB3741. Louisiana State University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pennisi, B., N. Bumgarner, C. Evensen, and K. Walberg. 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/secure.caes.uga.edu\/extension\/publications\/files\/pdf\/C%201215_5.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Horticulture Benefits Our Environment (links to PDF document)<\/a>.  <em>University of Georgia Extension Publication<\/em> C1215. University of Georgia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Polomski, R.F., E. Bauske, T. James, N. Bumgarner, and K. Walberg. 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/extensionpublications.unl.edu\/assets\/pdf\/ec3051.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Consumer Horticulture Benefits Housing and Residential Areas (links to PDF document)<\/a>.  <em>University of Nebraska Extension Publication<\/em> EC3051. University of Nebraska Extension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smith, K., P. Bennett, H. Kirk-Ballard, J. Kuehny, N. Bumgarner, and K. Walberg. 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aces.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ANR-2738-Schools_and_Communities_AIabama021721L-A.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Schools and Communities Benefit from Consumer Horticulture (links to PDF document)<\/a>.  <em>Alabama Extension Publication<\/em> ANR-2738. Alabama A&amp;M University. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated and revised byJennifer Marquis, Master Gardener Program Leader, Washington State University Extension Excerpted and adapted with permission for Washington State from the Georgia Master Gardener Handbook, 8th Edition, &#8220;Chapter 32: Connecting People and Plants&#8221;, written by Natalie Bumgarner, Sheri Dorn, Bodie Pennisi, Dave Close, Kerry Smith, Rick Durham, Pam Bennett, Heather Kirk-Ballard, Jeff Kuehny, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":241,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_wsuwp_accessibility_report":null},"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/241"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62"}],"version-history":[{"count":150,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4867,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/62\/revisions\/4867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pnw-gardeners-handbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}