This chapter will summarize findings on the social and psychosocial benefits
that clients derive from Community Gardens. The three categories of social
and psychological value that emerged from the data are: (1) gardening as a
strategy in building communities, (2) gardening as a way to promote social
justice, and (3) gardening as a strategy for building personal character
Literature also supports gardening as a way to build community. Relf (1992)
reviews research that demonstrates ways that greening activities enhance
positive images for neighborhoods and create opportunities for people to
work together Lewis (1991) shows how community gardens foster a sense of
neighborliness among residents.
Gardening as a strategy in building