db landscape & design blog

We’re looking at some research on the positive impact of landscaping and, specifically, plants & flowers to mental, physical, emotional & even economic realms.  As we talked about last week, research is showing a correlation between an increase in children’s focus & concentration (resulting in higher grades) and time spent either outdoors among landscaped areas or in a plant-filled environment routinely.    Along that same vein, here is further support for the practical side of plants:

• Get outside: it improves focus for adults, too, even if it’s cold & ugly out.  University of Michigan psychology research studied the effects on two groups of study participants sent on walks around either the U or M’s Botanic Gardens or Ann Arbor’s downtown city streets.  The researchers then tested short-term memory on both groups and found that the downtown-walkers showed zero improvement in memory or focus while the nature-walkers improved their short-term memory by 20%.  The theory was retested with groups gathered indoors and asked to concentrate on pictures of either nature scenes or cityscapes.  Again, the nature group showed 20% short-term memory improvement while the downtown group showed no improvement.   Additionally, researchers found no difference in results from walks performed in 25 degree January weather or 85 degree July weather- the only difference was that, not surprisingly, the participants enjoyed the summer walks more.  (http://ns.umich.edu/new/releases/6892)

• Flowers feed compassion: a behavioral study conducted by Harvard University researchers found that people who lived with flowers in their homes for less than a week felt more compassion toward others.  There were less negative feelings reported about other people as well as a decrease in anxiety and generalized worry.  These positive feelings reportedly carry over into work environments, too.  If spending a few days with a simple arrangement on the kitchen counter can have a noticeable impact on well-being, it seems logical to start cutting from the garden or stop by the local florist more often.  (http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=13080921&message_id=223012&user_id=SAFlorists)

• Green Spaces Reduce ‘Health Gap’: there are undeniable health inequalities reflecting differences in lifestyle and diet due to income disparity, which generally means that people living in poorer areas are more likely to be unhealthy and die earlier.  However, research conducted by two Scottish Universities (University of St Andrews & Glasgow University) found that living near parks, woodland or open spaces helped reduce these inequalities, regardless of social class.  They actually found that even small parks in the heart of our cities can protect us from strokes and heart disease, perhaps by cutting stress or boosting exercise.  Hundreds of thousands of records of people who died over a period of four years were analyzed to find a correlation between plentiful access to green spaces and incidences of fatal diseases, with the biggest impact being seen on risk of heart diseases and stroke.  The health gap was halved between those who lived near a large amount of green space and those who lived near none or very little.  Although the effect was greatest for those living around the most greenery, the study revealed that even tiny green spaces in the areas in which study participants lived made a noticeable difference to their risk of fatal diseases.  When it comes to urban planning, this study offers evidence that the positive effects of green spaces go well beyond simple beautification. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7714950.stm)

• Potted Plants Speed Post-Surgery Recovery: Kansas State University researchers are reporting that the presence of potted plants in hospital rooms speeds recovery from surgery.  The study looked at 90 patients post-appendectomy who were randomly assigned to hospital rooms (some with plants and others without), and revealed that patients with plants in their rooms had significantly fewer intakes of pain medication, more positive physiological responses (lower blood pressure and heart rate), less pain, anxiety, and fatigue. This is a cost-effective method for providing a non-pharmacological approach to pain management & faster recovery in surgery patients which should be considered by doctors, nurses, and health insurers as well.  (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/asfh-fps122608.php)
  

These snippets have highlighted the measureable benefits of plants on health.  Next up, we’ll look at some benefits on economics.

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in”
-Greek proverb

While we wait on spring to arrive so we can photograph & showcase our completed winter projects, we are starting a series on the many & relatively little-known benefits of plants. There is much new research coming out of prestigious research institutes such as Harvard highlighting benefits of plants to both health & economics.  We’re excited about what we are reading & we plan to share a little of what we’re learning along the way.

One of the more fascinating aspects of the impact of plants on well-being has to do with studies involving children.  Studies show that children who spend time outdoors before school hours or are in a plant-filled environment improve concentration, boost creativity, improve memory, enhance health and improve grades.  Dr Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, cites research that shows that children who spend time around plants learn better.  In addition, being around natural environments improves the ability of children with Attention Deficit Disorder to focus, concentrate, and engage more with their surrounding environment.  In fact, concentration & memory retention is said to be improved by as much as 20%.

Keeping plants in a child’s learning environment enhances learning capabilities by helping them to focus and concentrate. This improves their ability to learn new things and makes it easier for them to absorb and retain information. Ornamental plants are conducive to generating a positive learning environment, reducing children’s tendency towards distraction and helping them to be better able concentrate on school work. Specifically for children with problems paying attention, adding plants to the classroom can have a dramatic positive effect on the way they learn. For example, children with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning in a natural environment can help them to engage more in the classroom, improving their focus and concentration on the task at hand. The soothing effects of natural aesthetic beauty help to minimize the distractions that would otherwise occupy their minds. By altering the environment in which children learn, plants can help them to learn better. (Faber Taylor 2001a, Frank 2003, Kellert 2002, Kuo 2004, Lieberman 1998)

And it doesn’t stop at children.  The same benefits extend to adults working in the home and office, too.   Spending time surrounded by nature makes people better at doing their jobs, largely because time spent outdoors increases energy levels and feelings of vitality, which in turn induce a positive outlook on life leading to higher production levels & increased vigor.

Similarly, mood is lifted and stress is reduced by spending time around plants.  Studies show that people who spend time cultivating plants have less stress in their lives. Plants soothe human beings and provide a positive way for people to channel their stress into nurturing.  In fact, the therapeutic effects are gardening on trauma victims (mental or physical) is beginning to be studied.  Hall states:

The act of nurturing a plant can provide victims with a way to work through their issues and heal their wounds, whether they are on the surface of the skin or deeper. Cultivating plants also improves their mental states and helps to put them in a better place for recovering. Gardening is a therapeutic tool that can be used to help put people in a better psychological state during recovery and help them to work past the mental barriers that could impede their healing. (Aldous 2000, Barnicle 2003, Brethour 2007, Collins 2008, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 2009, Pohmer 2008, Rappe 2005, Stoneham 1995, http://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/#.UTAeojB_CSp)

The reasons listed just begin to scratch the surface.  Relaxing in and enjoying nature, whether enjoying a glass of wine in your own private garden,  strolling through a public park, or window-shopping in a well-landscaped community, can make a tangible difference in your outlook, energy level, concentration & memory…in short, it can improve your daily life.  All the more reason for spring to hurry on up!