The Psychology of Gardening The Psychology of Everything Series

Why do so many people love gardening? What does your garden say about you? What is guerrilla gardening?

The Psychology of Gardening delves into the huge benefits that gardening can have on our health and emotional well-being, and how this could impact on the entire public health of a country. It also explores what our gardens can tell us about our personalities, how we can link gardening to mindfulness and restoration, and what motivates someone to become a professional gardener.

With gardening being an ever popular pastime, The Psychology of Gardening provides a fascinating insight into our relationships with our gardens.

1. Introduction:

• Why garden? Gardening facts and figures
• Researching gardening and common themes

2. It’s my little bit of paradise

• Identity and relationships
• Home and place

3. Time stands still

• ‘Attention Restoration Theory’
• ‘Flow’ theory’

4. In touch with Nature

• Evolutionary theories and Biophilia
• Nature in control – the challenges

5. It keeps me sane

• Gardening as therapy?
• Nature and health?

6. Conclusions:

• Review and reflection - summary
• Greenfingers and expertise: ‘being’ or ‘becoming’ a gardener

Harriet Gross is Professor of Psychology at the University of Lincoln. She researches the psychological significance of gardens and gardening, was involved in creating a Gold Medal-winning design at the Chelsea Flower Show, and has appeared on national TV.