Unique Presentation Identifier:
P53
Program Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Michael J. Bradley
Document Type
Poster
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
29-4-2025 3:00 PM
Abstract
Throughout history, gardens held a vital role in the development of civilizations, often serving as spaces for food, reflection, and community. The aim of this study was to explore the progression of gardens parallel to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether gardens help fulfill those needs and, in doing so, influence human morality. To examine these possibilities, the researcher conducted a literature review of historical and contemporary accounts of gardening and its effects on physical and psychological well-being, analyzing these findings through the lens of Maslow’s framework. Additionally, crime rate data were compared across several U.S. cities with public botanical gardens to assess potential correlations between green spaces and moral behavior. Findings suggest gardening supports various aspects of human well-being across Maslow’s hierarchy, but no clear relationship was found between the presence of botanical gardens and lower crime rates. This indicates that gardens may contribute to individual fulfillment, however, their influence on broader social behavior remains unclear. Future research should focus on more direct community-based gardening efforts to better understand their potential impact on social cohesion and public well-being.
Key Words: gardens, influence, growth, fulfillment, societies, society, horticulture
Recommended Citation
Cutsinger, Abby J., "Gardens through the ages: How public gardens impact the growth of society" (2025). ATU Student Research Symposium. 43.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2025/2025/43
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Food Security Commons, Growth and Development Commons, Horticulture Commons, Tourism and Travel Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
Gardens through the ages: How public gardens impact the growth of society
Face-to-face
Throughout history, gardens held a vital role in the development of civilizations, often serving as spaces for food, reflection, and community. The aim of this study was to explore the progression of gardens parallel to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether gardens help fulfill those needs and, in doing so, influence human morality. To examine these possibilities, the researcher conducted a literature review of historical and contemporary accounts of gardening and its effects on physical and psychological well-being, analyzing these findings through the lens of Maslow’s framework. Additionally, crime rate data were compared across several U.S. cities with public botanical gardens to assess potential correlations between green spaces and moral behavior. Findings suggest gardening supports various aspects of human well-being across Maslow’s hierarchy, but no clear relationship was found between the presence of botanical gardens and lower crime rates. This indicates that gardens may contribute to individual fulfillment, however, their influence on broader social behavior remains unclear. Future research should focus on more direct community-based gardening efforts to better understand their potential impact on social cohesion and public well-being.
Key Words: gardens, influence, growth, fulfillment, societies, society, horticulture