Gardening as an Occupation: A Critical Review

Abstract

Purpose: The occupation of gardening has historically generated a wealth of literature. Although espousing its positive impact on wellbeing, evidence is typically anecdotal in nature, with only one major synthesis of reliable evidence to date. This study sought to explore people's experiences and personal meanings of gardening within the literature, from 2003–2010, in order to present a concise body of evidence and to inform occupational therapy practice. Procedures: A meta-ethnography was used in gathering high quality qualitative studies, synthesising through a process of translations, rather than aggregation, in order to preserve meanings from within a range of culturally specific contexts. Four papers, out of 214 initially identified, met the inclusion criteria employed. Findings: This study has identified processes within the occupation of gardening in a natural environment, which offer satisfying and meaningful methods of recovery for people who are marginalised within society. This has been shown on an individual and a community health level. Conclusion: This study has highlighted fundamental links between gardening and wellbeing, and how occupational therapists can broaden practice and have an impact upon health at a community level.