Psychology of Gardening

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.

"Why are so many people passionately involved in the difficult work of gardening? This volume is packed full of information, incorporating interviews with gardeners as well as a wide range of psychological theory and research results. The author builds on topics from time perception and neural processes to cognitive restoration and mental health in order to examine the meaning of gardens and gardening. This book will prompt new ways of thinking about the role of the garden and its significance to personal identity and well-being." --Susan Clayton, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology, The College of Wooster, USA

• 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