ISHS Acta Horticulturae 639: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Expanding Roles for Horticulture in Improving Human Well-Being and Life Quality
SACRED GROVES OF THE CITY: A LOOK AT CONTEMPLATIVE GARDENS IN NEW ZEALAND |
| Author: | I. Ennis |
| Keywords: | therapeutic gardens, spirituality and gardens, religion, sacred gardens, healing landscapes |
| Abstract:
Historically people have maintained many associations with plants in a number of ways including through food provision, rituals, aesthetics, landmarks, memorials, and as seasonal cues. Now increasingly urbanized, many people also use planted and natural environments as a refuge from the stresses of city life. Research and experience from the Northern hemisphere indicate that people associate contemplative or therapeutic gardens, parks and green spaces in cities with ‘better’ environments for working and living, and hold the view that work to cultivate this urban vegetation as innately ‘healthful’ (Ulrich, 1986). This paper describes the range of contemplative or therapeutic garden projects in Aotearoa/New Zealand, which are an expression of the belief that urban vegetation improves city environments for those that work and live in them. These projects are implemented through local bodies, corporate entities, government agencies (e.g. schools), community groups and individuals. Data were gathered through archive and website searches, site visits, images and interviews with project personnel. Using images, narratives and social history this work documents these projects. A comparison with work in this field in other countries (Messervy, 1995; Tyson, 1998; Norfolk, 2000) reveals the unique nature of the connection between plants and people held in this area of the South Pacific. | |
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