The article, “Connecting food environments and health through the relational nature of aesthetics: Gaining insight through the community gardening experience”, by J Hale et al. (2011), connects the idea of environmental aesthetics to how people interact with community gardens on every physical, social, and psychological level. This study used a qualitative approach to explore the aesthetic-health dimensions of community gardens in Denver, Colorado. The interviews with gardeners tell a thoughtful story of how they interact with their community garden spaces and what this means for their emotional, physical, social, and cultural health. Overall, this study works to promote community gardening as an activity that engages people in a way that will improve their overall well-being.

Read the article here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114166/pdf/nihms294307.pdf

What are some of your thoughts about community gardens as it relates to human health? What are some new ideas you are working with related to gardening in public spaces? Share them with us in the comments section below!