Expanding roles for horticulture in improving human well-being and life quality

Relf, D. & H.B. Kwack, 2004, Expanding roles for horticulture in improving human well-being and life quality, in: Acta Horticultura, 639,

  • Author : Relf, D. & H.B. Kwack
  • Year : 2004
  • Journal/Series : Acta Horticultura
  • Volume Number (CONSECUTIVE: Counting all Volumes of this Journal ever published) : 639
  • Pages : 1-383
  • Contents in English : OUTLINE fromhttp://www.actahort.org/books/639/ Human Issues in Horticulture (HIH) is a relatively new aspect of horticulture research that focuses beyond traditional horticulture (the production, maintenance, and utilization of crops) to include understanding the humans who utilize the plants and the role that plants play in life quality. The issues covered under the theme of HIH range widely. Presenters submitting papers come from a wide range of disciplines, partly because this research often depends on interdisciplinary collaboration for successful implementation, particularly where data is collected directly from humans. It has only been in the last 25 years that significant research has accumulated on these aspects of horticulture and plant usage. In the 1970’s, researchers from forestry and environmental psychology initiated studies on the value of the urban forest to individuals and communities. Additional studies have been conducted by researchers from a number of other disciplines, including economics, landscape architecture, and health care. These have spurred the interests of horticulturists and laid the ground work for current and future work. This volume of Acta Horticulturae is the Proceedings of the 2002 International Society for Horticultural Science Congress Symposium: Expanding Roles for Horticulture in Improving Human Well-Being and Life Quality. The objective of this symposium was to provide an update and specific examples of the impact horticulture on various issues related human health and well-being as we seek to expand the view of horticulture research beyond crop production and basic biological sciences. An additional objective was to provide an opportunity for researchers from around the world to exchange information regarding this new and emerging field. Sixty five participants from 17 countries presented two keynote addresses, 15 contributed oral papers, and 48 posters with over 100 individuals attending both days of the symposium. We would like to thank the members of the Editorial Board, the Keynote Speakers and all the other colleagues who aided in the editorial process. Finally, special thanks to work-study students Jay Clark, Robbie Worley, and Lisa Clark for assistance in preparing the Proceedings. D. Relf and B.H. Kwack.
  • Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: horticulture, horticultural therapy, healing gardens, health, well-being, plants, gardening, environment.