Garden Management Research Articles

A Strategy for Building the WFO Plant List

A Strategy for Building the WFO Plant List

Urban garden as a water reservoir in an urban area – a literature review

The aim of the presented work was to show that contemporary researchers recognize the potential of urban gardening in improving urban retention, and that the contemporary scientific literature mentions specific problems-indicators of retention that can be useful for developing guidelines for authorities and gardeners on the management and development of urban gardens, such as allotments and community gardens, considering their role as a retention tool. In this study, a meta-analysis of peer-reviewed scientific articles from popular scientific databases such as Web of Sciences, Science Direct, Springer and MDPI was performed, which was, besides literature analysis, the main method of research. Definitions of urban garden retention indicators were developed, which are: rainwater/stormwater infrastructure (collecting rainwater water – special infrastructure); watering systems (system for providing water strait to plants); planting type (garden plants: flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs on beds – no turf: lawn or turf with dicotyledonous plants). The most frequent groups of indicators in the articles were also identified. The study also analyzed the distribution of surveyed articles between continents, noting the overrepresentation of articles from North America and the absence of articles from South America.

Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics

Knowledge about ecological conditions and processes in centers of endemism (CoEs) is still limited with respect to various systematic groups of organisms, ecosystem types, ecological conditions, and ecosystem services. We review the characterization, identification, and meaning of CoEs. Endemics play an increasing and prominent role in nature conservation monitoring and management and in the organization of zoos, aquaria, and botanical gardens. We examine the importance of different groups of organisms and indicators for the characterization of endemic-rich regions, e.g., with regard to the richness of endemics per region and degree of endemism, the importance of heterogeneity in space, continuity in time, isolation, and ex situ management for the survival of endemic species. Currently, conversion of land cover and land use change are the most important causes of biodiversity decline and extinction risk of endemic and endangered species. These are followed by climate change, including severe weather, and then natural processes such as volcanism, landslides, or tsunamis. For conservation purposes, the management of regional land use, zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, and social aspects of the diversity of endemics and CoEs have to be taken into account as well. We find that the ex situ representation of endemics in general is limited, and conservation networks in this regard can be improved. We need better answers to questions about the relationship between ecoregions, CoEs and regional awareness of endemism, which is linked with human culture including aesthetics, well-being, health, and trade.

Promoting Beneficial Arthropods in Urban Agroecosystems: Focus on Flowers, Maybe Not Native Plants.

(1) Urbanization threatens biodiversity, yet urban native plants support native biodiversity, contributing to conservation and ecosystem services. Within urban agroecosystems, where non-native plants are abundant, native plants may boost the abundance and richness of beneficial arthropods. Nevertheless, current information focuses on pollinators, with little attention being paid to other beneficials, like natural enemies. (2) We examined how the species richness of native plants, garden management, and landscape composition influence the abundance and species richness of all, native, and non-native bees, ladybeetles, ants, and ground-foraging spiders in urban agroecosystems (i.e., urban community gardens) in California. (3) We found that native plants (~10% of species, but only ~2.5% of plant cover) had little influence on arthropods, with negative effects only on non-native spider richness, likely due to the low plant cover provided by native plants. Garden size boosted native and non-native bee abundance and richness and non-native spider richness; floral abundance boosted non-native spider abundance and native and non-native spider richness; and mulch cover and tree and shrub abundance boosted non-native spider richness. Natural habitat cover promoted non-native bee and native ant abundance, but fewer native ladybeetle species were observed. (4) While native plant richness may not strongly influence the abundance and richness of beneficial arthropods, other garden management features could be manipulated to promote the conservation of native organisms or ecosystem services provided by native and non-native organisms within urban agroecosystems.

Cross-cultivar prediction of quality indicators of tea based on VIS-NIR hyperspectral imaging

The rapid detection of quality indicators of fresh tea leaves is helpful to guide tea garden management. Therefore, it is very important to develop a fast and reliable detection method for fresh tea leaf quality indicators. In this study, the feasibility of visible-near-infrared hyperspectral image (VNHI) combined with stoichiometry for the determination of tea polyphenols (TP) and crude fiber (CF) in 14 cultivars of tea plants was investigated. Based on the VNHI, different tea cultivars were distinguished with an accuracy of 99.56% by using one-dimensional ResNet18 (1D-ResNet18). For the quantitative determination of CF and TP contents, the prediction determination coefficient (r2) reached 0.80 and 0.77, respectively, by integrating VNHI with PLS. In addition, we proposed a generalization index (GI) that can evaluate the cross-cultivar generalization ability of models. The GI can judge if the model built on a few tea cultivars can predict the quality indicators of other cultivars. Then, the predicted distribution maps of CF and TP contents were analyzed. The results showed that the quantitative models based on spectra (474–1734 nm) had higher cross-cultivar generalization ability with higher mean GI_0.7 in predicting the cross-cultivar content of CF (mean GI_0.7 = 2.563) and TP (mean GI_0.7 = 1.376). The models based on spectra (474–1030 nm) had stronger visualization ability with lower mean predictive variance. This study proved the feasibility of the VNHI technique in predicting the content of TP and CF of multiple cultivars of tea plants and provided methods with higher generalization, perceptual intuition, and speediness for the detection of quality indicators of tea in the field.

Plant species composition and product utility pattern of Garo homegardens in Meghalaya, India

Home garden is a traditional landuse system practiced by many rural households in the tropical region. The composition and management practices within homegardens are largely driven by cultural setup and ecological conditions. The present study characterized the plant species composition, utility patterns and management of Garo homegardens in Dadenggre block, West Garo Hill district of Meghalaya, India. Fifty households from 5 villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The homegardens size ranged between 0.07 and 1.29ha, harbouring 132 plant species, out of which 74 species were trees, 19 shrubs and 39 herbs. Among the perennials, Areca catechu (areca nut) was the most common contributor to household earnings. When species were grouped into 9 utility classes (timber, medicinal, fruit, fuelwood, fodder, vegetables, ornamental, spice, and others), highest number was for fuelwood, followed by vegetables and fruits. The average household income was Rs. 318/100m2, the highest contribution from the sale of vegetables. Various home garden management activities were conducted, engaging family members and generating employment for others. Animal rearing is common in many households and the application of animal manure and household waste has helped maintain soil fertility of homegardens’ soils. Homegardens are integral to the Garo society, contributing significantly to household needs and activities.

GUEST ESSAY Vive l'Horticulture de Conservation

Conservation horticulture is an emerging and increasingly important function for all botanic gardens, but it is an activity that can be difficult to explain and to promote. Part of that difficulty lies in its name, and a few alternatives are suggested in this Guest Essay – such as Care for the Rare, Raising Rarity, and Plant Rescue and Care Unit – all currently in use at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) for more narrowly scoped but pioneering projects. In reimagining conservation horticulture at RBGV we want to draw on the public’s intrinsic interest in and affinity with plants, rather than taking a defensive stand against what is often called ‘plant blindness’. Raising Rarity 2.0 is likely to combine commercialisation of rare species, innovative blending of amenity and conservation horticulture, and even stronger partnerships with schools and local government. As I prepare to leave RBGV after 25 years in senior management of botanic gardens, I’m supporting a grassroots push from horticultural and research staff to add conservation horticulture (whatever we call it) to our already potent mix of nature, culture and science.

More than a work of art: Exploring restorative experience in tourism at the Net Master’s Garden, Suzhou, China

Classical gardens in Suzhou were designed not only as an art of work but also for use in daily life. This study explored the tourist experience in the Net Master’s Garden in Suzhou, China, as a restorative environment based on attention restoration theory. Analysis of the results of the on-site questionnaire survey revealed three dimensions of perceived restorative characteristics: “fascination-compatibility”, “being away” and “extent”. Using multiple correspondence analysis, we also found three types of restorative experiences influenced by different activities and landscape impressions: a salient sightseeing experience, an immersive experience and a low restorative experience. In a salient sightseeing experience, when strolling visitors enjoyed the varying picturesque views, they perceived “fascination-compatibility” and “being away” more strongly. In an immersive experience, the visitors tended to do leisure activities, acquired a holistic sense of the garden, and perceived “extent” and “fascination-compatibility” more strongly. Visitors who acted more passively tended to perceive a low restorative experience. We think this study provides clues to expanding the meaning of garden visits from “appreciation” to “restoration” for both garden management and garden visitors. The classical garden might play a more important role in pleasure-derived leisure experiences in local areas, especially during times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A review on the application of computer vision and machine learning in the tea industry

Tea is rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and protein, which is good for health and tastes great. As a result, tea is very popular and has become the second most popular beverage in the world after water. For this reason, it is essential to improve the yield and quality of tea. In this paper, we review the application of computer vision and machine learning in the tea industry in the last decade, covering three crucial stages: cultivation, harvesting, and processing of tea. We found that many advanced artificial intelligence algorithms and sensor technologies have been used in tea, resulting in some vision-based tea harvesting equipment and disease detection methods. However, these applications focus on the identification of tea buds, the detection of several common diseases, and the classification of tea products. Clearly, the current applications have limitations and are insufficient for the intelligent and sustainable development of the tea field. The current fruitful developments in technologies related to UAVs, vision navigation, soft robotics, and sensors have the potential to provide new opportunities for vision-based tea harvesting machines, intelligent tea garden management, and multimodal-based tea processing monitoring. Therefore, research and development combining computer vision and machine learning is undoubtedly a future trend in the tea industry.

Do carbon stocks and floristic diversity of tropical homegardens vary along an elevational gradient and based on holding size in central Kerala, India?

Homegarden (HG) agroforestry combines biological carbon (C) sequestration with biodiversity conservation outcomes. Although C stocks and species richness of HGs vary along elevational gradients and as a function of holding sizes, there is no consensus on the nature and magnitude of such variations. Field studies were conducted in the Western Ghats region of central Kerala, India (180 homesteads in 20 selected panchayats), to evaluate the effects of elevation (near sea level to 1938m) and garden size (162-10,117 m2) on aboveground C stocks and floristic diversity. The C stocks (per unit area) of HGs (arborescent species) were highly variable (0.63-93.65Mgha-1), as garden management was highly individualistic and it exhibited a weak negative relationship with elevation. Likewise, there was a weak negative relationship between C stocks and garden size. Tree stocking levels (stems/garden) and species richness (species/garden) positively impacted total C stocks per garden. Floristic diversity was high in the study area (753 species) and included many rare and endangered species (43 IUCN Red-Listed species) making homegardens circa situm reservoirs of biodiversity. Elevation and holding size exerted a weak negative linear relationship on Simpson's floristic diversity index, whichranged from 0.26 to 0.93 for thearboreal species. Homegardens, regardless of elevation or size, contribute to C sequestration and agrobiodiversity conservation and help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Climate Action (SDG-13) and conserving agrobiodiversity (SDG-15, Life on Land).

Community gardens as commons through the lens of the diverse economies framework: A case study of Austin, TX

Community gardening involves physical transformation of land, which then promotes community-identity formation and the production of place. This is a case study of community gardens in Austin, Texas (USA) as different types of commons with a focus on the Diverse Economies framework's principles of the successful governance and management. This paper argues that community gardens represent biophysical, cultural, social, and knowledge commons, therefore, their success depends on the social value they provide in addition to their physical yield. This qualitative research uses key-informant interviews with community gardens' representatives to draw evidence that: 1) community gardens represent different types of commons and 2) the governance approaches and management of community gardens include the principles of ‘ethical action’ described by the Diverse Economies framework. This analysis shows that 18 out of 26 community gardens in Austin follow all six principles of ethical action, and the degree of use of these principles depends on the garden's purposes and values, socioeconomic profile of its members, and its management structure. The results also shows that community gardens in Austin appear to be less aware or less concern with the ecological services related to gardening.

Response of Soil and Plant Nutrients to Planting Years in Precious Ancient Camellia tetracocca Plantations

In order to explore the response of soil nutrient supply capacity and tea plant nutrient utilization capacity to tea-planting years in precious ancient tea garden, field investigation and indoor analysis methods were employed to research the soil and plant nutrient content, eco-stoichiometric characteristics and the correlation between them, with artificially bred Camellia tetracocca at different time periods (5 years, 15 years, 25 years and 40 years). The results showed that: (1) the contents of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were higher in the 25- and 40-year teas than in 5- and 15-year teas. The soil pH and total phosphorus were the highest in the 40-year tea, and the available nutrient content was the lowest in the 40-year tea. (2) The contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in tea shoots were the highest in 15-year tea. The nutrient content of tea trees were highest according to the following order: new shoots > leaves > branches. (3) The N: P of soil and leaves was 4.11–7.55 and 6.37–11.76, respectively. Available nutrients and soil pH were the main factors affecting the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in new shoots. In conclusion, the soil nutrient supply capacity and the nutrient utilization capacity of tea plants in the Camellia tetracocca garden were significantly different under different tea-planting years. The growth of the tea plants was restricted by the soil nitrogen supply. The nutrient absorption and utilization capacity of precious Camellia tetracocca were higher in the 15- and 25-year teas, respectively. The study provides the basis for the rational development and sustainable utilization of precious ancient tea plants, and the scientific management of tea gardens.

Landscape Architecture: Aesthetics Value and the Influence of Garden Spaces on Hospital Users in Southwest, Nigeria

This study specifically evaluated the aesthetics design characteristics and determined the influence of the regular visit to garden spaces on hospital users in Southwest, Nigeria. This study was carried out at the first-generation Federal University Teaching Hospitals (FUTH) in southwest, Nigeria and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection which involves the use of structured questionnaire to collect data from the patients and staff of the (FUTH). Also, semi-structured interview (SSI) was conducted and used to support the information from the questionnaire. A total sample size of 575 respondents was randomly selected for questionnaire across the FUTH while only 557 questionnaires were returned for the analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using frequency distribution, percentage distribution, weighted mean scores, standard deviation, and ranking. The result of the study showed that the aesthetics are averagely attractive and regular visits to the hospital garden, promote interaction & reduce working stress. The in-patients expressed that regular visit to the hospital garden reduce headaches & tiredness. The result of this study helps to provide the information that will transform the aesthetic design, construction strategies and management of therapeutic gardens in the Healthcare sector in the Federal University Teaching Hospitals, Nigeria.

가드닝이 노인의 체질량지수와 골밀도 변화에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to find out the effects of garden activities on physical changes in the elderly. Participants in the study were elderly people aged 65 or older among users of the K Senior Happiness Center located in D-gu, D city. Among the elderly who had no physical activity problems, 40 expressed their intention to voluntarily participate after explaining the purpose of the study and the contents of the study, and the average age was 74.3 years. The healing garden care program consisted of 16 sessions, including garden creation, garden management, and garden community activities, and was held three hours each time, two times a week, and eight weeks. In order to measure physical changes after garden activities, BMI, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Body Fat, and Bone Density were measured before the first start of the program and at the 16th program. Looking at body changes through healing gardening, BMI and Skeletal Muscle Mass increased, but significance was not confirmed, and Bone Density and Body Fat tended to increase significantly. In this study, it is somewhat unreasonable to generalize in that 40 experimental groups were targeted without a control group and variables other than garden activities were not controlled, so further research is needed.

Effect of Enzyme Activity Changes on Decomposition Characteristics of Leaf Litter Mixed Decomposition of Configurated Tree Species in Ecological Tea Garden

In the management of eco-tea gardens, the recycling of weathered leaves of the configured tree species plays an important role in the nutrients of the tea garden ecosystem. The in situ decomposition method was used to analyze the decomposition rate, elemental release, and enzymatic activity of different combinations of leaf litter in tea garden soil. The results showed that mixed decomposition accelerates the decomposition turnover period of Jiu’an ecological tea garden. The higher release rate of the litter improved the nutrient effectiveness in the ecological tea garden. The trends of CAT (catalase), AP (acid phosphatase), and PPO (polyphenol oxidase) activities were similar during the decomposition of different mixed leaf litters, while all other enzyme activities showed some differences. There were also some differences in the relationship between the enzyme activity and decomposition rate of leaf litter and the nutrient release rate related to the substrate mass content during the decomposition of leaf litter. Overall, the changes in the nutrient content of the leaf litter during decomposition promoted an increase in enzyme activity, which in turn promoted the release of leaf litter elements, shortened the turnover period of leaf litter decomposition, and accelerated the recycling of elements in the ecological tea garden.

Using Botanical Gardens as Butterfly Gardens: Insights from a Pilot Project in the Gran Sasso and Monti Della Laga National Park (Italy)

Butterfly gardens are green spaces designed as places where butterflies can feed, mate, and rest. Here, we present some perspectives on the possible use of botanical gardens in natural areas as butterfly gardens to promote insect conservation through science dissemination and citizen science activities. We explored this possibility with a project developed in the Botanical Garden of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park (Italy). We found an extremely high butterfly richness as a result of favorable conditions which can be common in botanical gardens. To promote awareness of insect conservation in the general public and citizen science activities, we have installed within the garden several posters illustrating the butterfly fauna of the park, the species that visitors can easily observe, and the importance of butterfly conservation. Using this case study, we provided reflections and guidelines for the realization and management of butterfly gardens in already existing botanical gardens, especially in natural areas. The realization of butterfly gardens in protected areas to promote awareness of insect conservation, as well as to perform scientific research (namely insect monitoring), may help to ensure that insects will exert a pivotal role in expanding the global network of protected areas under the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Habitat quality, urbanisation & pesticides influence bird abundance and richness in gardens

Gardens are regularly portrayed as green oases, refuges for wildlife that has been displaced from the countryside by intensive farming practices which have reduced habitat availability. Pesticides are also commonly used in urban areas, but few studies have investigated their impacts. In this study, we explored how bird richness and abundance in gardens across the UK are influenced by habitat quality, urbanisation level and pesticide practices. To achieve this, we collaborated with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) which runs Garden Birdwatch, a citizen-science-based garden bird recording scheme. Participants in the study were asked to complete a questionnaire about their pesticide practice. From the 615 gardens that provided useful data, we found that 32.2 % applied pesticides in their gardens and that glyphosate comprised 53.3 % of these applications. We found that bird abundance and species richness was lower in suburban compared to rural gardens but positively influenced by measures of garden quality and by surrounding habitat quality. We show that there was an interaction between the habitat quality of the surrounding area and pesticide use: negative effects of pesticides on species richness were more pronounced in gardens in areas of high habitat quality compared to those surrounded by poor habitat. We found that pesticide use, and particularly glyphosate and metaldehyde, negatively predicted the abundance of house sparrows, a fast-declining bird species. The average house sparrow abundance was 12.1 % lower in gardens applying any pesticide, 24.9 % lower with glyphosate, and 38.6 % lower with metaldehyde. Overall, our study shows that garden bird abundance and richness is strongly influenced by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and suggests that garden management, particularly regarding pesticide use, has a significant effect on bird life.

Visit and Management of Historic Gardens during COVID-19 from the Owners/Managers Perspective: Portugal as a Case Study

Gardens around the world, including in Portugal, were enjoying a growth in visitor numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic. The closing of the gates was followed by an immediate fall in visitor numbers and consequent loss of income. However, this disruptive period also acted as a challenge and an opportunity for tourist attractions such as gardens to adapt and reinvent themselves in the wake of new demands imposed by COVID-19, aiming to restore the trust of visitors and maintain or increase the public’s engagement with gardens and consequently maintain its sustainability. Taking this framework into account, the purpose of this study is to ascertain the impact of the pandemic on visiting and managing gardens, especially in terms of the precautions applied when they reopened and the measures taken to keep them functioning and reaching people during this period. To accomplish this, a literature review has been carried out and a survey questionnaire subsequently applied to the managers or owners of a selected group of Portuguese historic gardens regarded as major tourist attractions. The findings show that a drop in visitors and income were the immediate and the main negative impacts, having both negative and positive consequences for the maintenance of spaces. Gardens were also able to adapt and continue to function under adverse conditions as well as to incorporate safety requirements in their reopening periods. However, not all gardens responded in the same way to the challenges posed by the pandemic with regard to their relationship with the public. Two groups of gardens were recognized: one that remained passive and took no relevant actions in this period, and another more pro-active group that implemented or reinforced strategies to encourage visits both physical and virtual, and to strengthen their connection with the public, particularly in the digital domain. Respondents also note that they recorded a positive response from the public, specifically local residents. The vast majority agree that gardens became popular places immediately after the lockdown periods; future studies on garden visitors could consolidate this finding. In the post-COVID period, the gardens’ challenge is to maintain or improve their connection and interaction with audiences achieved during the pandemic, especially the national and local communities.

Historical ecology of forest garden management in Laxyuubm Ts’msyen and beyond

ABSTRACT Cultural land-use is an important driver of ecosystem change, influencing the composition of species across landscapes and through time. Recent research in northwestern North America has shown that historical Indigenous land-use and forest management has resulted in relict forest gardens dominated by edible fruit, nut, and berry producing trees and shrubs – many of which continue to grow adjacent to archaeological village sites today. Our research combines archaeological and ecological methods to better understand the historical ecology of seven forest gardens in the Pacific Northwest. Vascular plant communities at all sites are evaluated for distinctiveness using ANOSIM, NMDS, and indicator species analyses. We identify 15 forest garden indicator species, all of which are culturally significant edible fruit or root-bearing species. We then present the results of an intensive historical-ecological study of one site in Laxyuubm Gitselasu (Ts’msyen). Paleoethnobotanical data, soil and tree ring analyses, and radiocarbon dates show that forest management in the Gitsaex forest garden of Gitselasu pre-dates settler colonialism and shows that people likely modified soils and otherwise enhanced their immediate environment to increase the productivity of desired plant species. Given the importance of Indigenous peoples’ role in sustaining forested foodsheds, there is an ongoing and urgent need to support their revitalization and management and better understand the integrated cultural practices and ecological processes that result in these vast cultural landscapes.

An assessment of the feasibility of initiating urban agriculture in Pardis New Town of Iran

AbstractInitiation of urban agriculture in small‐scale urban areas not only serves an ecological function but has also become one of the most important measures in urban management for increasing the sociocultural capital and the mental and physical health of citizens through providing a site for the social relations of the urban population. Community gardens have become especially important in Iranian new towns, which are facing severe social challenges. This research attempts to evaluate the possibility of initiating a community garden in Pardis New Town using the qualitative approach and content analysis of interviews, focus group meetings, as well as online survey. Research findings have shown that despite the short period of residence in the Pardis New Town, due to the background of local and self‐organized communal activities to create a green neighborhood, the relatively adequate skills of residents in agriculture and gardening through work experience in their previous places of residence, and declaration of readiness to engage in volunteer activities, the conditions are favorable for the initiation of a community garden and for its bottom‐up management in collaboration with official institutions. The findings of the analysis have identified the strategic requirements in the areas of design and management of community gardens.