1. New friendships and openness to others
Shared gardening activities such as working in community gardens open up a space for making new friends. This makes it easier to break down barriers such as shyness or cultural differences. A study by Thompson et al. (2019) showed that participating in gardening projects can lead to increased levels of empathy and a better understanding of other people’s perspectives.
2. Community building and cooperation
Gardening is an excellent example of collaboration. In community gardens, work often requires coordination and sharing of responsibilities. Participants learn to work together, which strengthens the sense of community. As Hanna et al. note in a study published in Landscape and Urban Planning (2017), gardening fosters the creation of local support networks, which can become an important part of community life.
3. Celebrating moments and building traditions
Gardening creates opportunities to celebrate small successes, such as the first harvest or successful landscape projects. These moments can develop into traditions, such as annual harvest festivals or community gardening workshops. During such events, people become more connected and relationships gain a deeper dimension.
4. Collaborative problem solving
Working in the garden also presents challenges – plant diseases, difficult weather conditions or problems with organisation. Dealing with such difficulties together builds trust and a sense of shared responsibility. A study by Draper and Freedman (2010) noted that participants in community gardens often become more open to dialogue and collaboration even outside the gardening context.
5. Connecting generations
Gardening is also a way to build relationships between different generations. Children, adults and seniors can participate in gardening together, exchanging knowledge and experiences. According to research published in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, such initiatives help to reduce intergenerational stereotypes and strengthen family and community ties.
Gardening is a bridge that connects people regardless of differences. Its potential for building relationships goes far beyond the garden – it is a tool for creating more cohesive and integrated communities.
“Community gardening not only promotes individual well-being but also facilitates interpersonal connections and a sense of belonging.” – Draper & Freedman, Journal of Community Health, 2010.
“Shared outdoor activities, such as gardening, create opportunities for empathy and mutual understanding, fostering stronger community ties.” – Thompson et al., Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2019.
“Gardening spaces serve as platforms for collaboration and collective problem-solving, essential for building trust and cooperative relationships.” – Hanna et al., Landscape and Urban Planning, 2017.