Of mowers and growers: Perceived social norms strongly influence verge gardening, a distinctive civic greening practice

Abstract

Road verge gardening is a civic greening practice undertaken by residents, which can contribute to the quantity, diversity and structural complexity of the greenery within the road easement. By understanding the social drivers of verge gardening, we can potentially increase biodiversity, ecosystem function and human amenity. We surveyed residents of single occupancy dwellings in Melbourne, Australia, and recorded demographic data and beliefs regarding road verge gardening. We used structural equation modelling to test causal models of cognitive constructs underlying verge gardening. We identified cultural background, gardening enthusiasm and level of education as significant factors differentiating respondents who planted verge understorey, planted street trees or did not verge garden. Normative beliefs were the main cognitive construct affecting resident behaviour, with those who did not verge garden more likely to think that others – and in particular municipal authorities – would disapprove of them verge gardening compared to residents who did verge garden. Sense of community, beliefs regarding the benefits of verge gardening, and feelings for nature had significant, but less direct, effects. Changing normative beliefs is a significant pathway to promoting verge gardening. Municipal authorities could reorient policy to encourage verge gardening and increase plantings in the verges they maintain. Planners and urban designers may wish to develop policy to better incorporate verge gardening into urban greening strategies.