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The eastern population of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) has dramatically declined in the last few decades, which is largely attributed to a loss of milkweed habitat in agricultural areas. Residential land in metropolitan areas has the potential to provide a significant source of the milkweed needed to support the monarch population. To examine if and how urban milkweed patches can support monarch butterflies, we worked with community scientists in the Chicago metropolitan area to monitor monarch eggs and caterpillars in yards and community gardens. We hypothesized that the largest numbers of eggs (i.e. gardens that were most attractive to monarchs) would be observed in patches that were older, had a high abundance of milkweed, contained more than one species of milkweed including Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) and/or A. incarnata (swamp milkweed), and had a large diversity of nectar plants. All patches were assessed at their peak egg count each year, which ranged from zero to 170 eggs in a given observation. To determine which characteristics were most influential to egg presence, we examined patches where eggs were present or absent during this peak observation. For abundance, we divided these peak observations into whether or not the egg counts were in the top 20% in a given year, excluding patches where eggs were absent, and assessed their patch characteristics. Our results show that patch age and presence of A. syriaca affected whether patches contained eggs or not. We also found that patches with the largest number of eggs observed tended to have A. syriaca, more milkweed plants, and a higher diversity of blooming plant species. The data we collected from community scientists in the Chicago area has enhanced our understanding of how urban gardeners can create effective breeding habitats for monarch butterflies. By planting Asclepias syriaca within its natural range, along with other native milkweed species and a diverse selection of flowering plants, individuals can create gardens that serve as excellent habitats for monarchs and other pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microbiome science, rapidly evolving, predominantly focuses on field crop soils. However, understanding garden soil microbiomes is essential for enhancing food production sustainability in garden environments. This study aimed to unveil the bacteriome diversity and composition in rooftop garden soils (RGS) and surface garden soils (SGS) across urban (Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations) and peri-urban (Gazipur City Corporation) areas of Dhaka Division, Bangladesh. We analyzed 11 samples, including six RGS and five SGS samples from 11 individual gardens using 16S rRNA (V3–V4 region) gene-based amplicon sequencing. A total of 977 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), including 270 and 707 in RGS and SGS samples, respectively, were identified. The observed OTUs were represented by 21 phyla, 45 classes, 84 orders, 173 families, and 293 genera of bacteria. Alpha diversity indices revealed significantly higher bacterial diversity in SGS samples (p = 0.01), while beta diversity analyses indicated distinct bacteriome compositions between RGS and SGS samples (p = 0.028, PERMANOVA). Despite substantial taxonomic variability between sample categories, there was also a considerable presence of shared bacterial taxa. At the phylum level, Bacilliota (61.14%), Pseudomonadota (23.42%), Actinobacteria (6.33%), and Bacteroidota (3.32%) were the predominant bacterial phyla (comprising > 94.0% of the total abundances) in both types of garden soil samples. Of the identified genera, Bacillus (69.73%) and Brevibacillus (18.81%) in RGS and Bacillus (19.22%), Methylophaga (19.21%), Acinetobacter (6.27%), Corynebacterium (5.06%), Burkholderia (4.78%), Paracoccus (3.98%) and Lysobacter (2.07%) in SGS were the major bacterial genera. Importantly, we detected that 52.90% of genera were shared between RGS and SGS soil samples. Our data reveal unique and shared bacteriomes with probiotic potential in soil samples from both rooftop and surface gardens. Further studies should explore the functional roles of shared bacterial taxa in garden soils and how urban environmental factors affect microbiome composition to optimize soil health and sustainable food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, ecological and conservation studies on pollinator insects have increased significantly. However, scientific evidence alone is not enough to translate knowledge into policy and into changes in behaviour. To reduce the gap between scientific knowledge on conservation actions and their actual uptake, one should understand the socio‐psychological drivers of people's willingness to undertake these actions.Here, we investigated the socio‐psychological factors influencing individual behaviour in favour of conservation interventions for pollinators in rural versus urban environments across three European countries: Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. We administered an online questionnaire to 4541 respondents stratified by nationality, environment, age and gender.Despite regional differences in socio‐cultural and economic conditions, individuals from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands living in both rural or urban environments shared similar socio‐psychological drivers to protect pollinators. People intended to take action to protect pollinators when they felt morally obliged to, when their social environment supported pollinator protection, when they believed their individual behaviour had an impact, and when they engaged frequently in outdoor activities.Interestingly, specific values held towards pollinators, such as their right to exist, seemed much more important predictors of activating norms that promote conservation actions compared to increasing general environmental concern. In all countries, among the conservation actions, the most likely to be implemented was planting flowers, while one of the most unlikely was participating in monitoring activities.Synthesis and applications. People from three contrasting European countries living in both rural and urban landscapes were mostly driven by the same socio‐psychological factors to help pollinator insects. Therefore, our results offer several practical recommendations to promote pollinator conservation across Europe. First, conservation practitioners interested in pollinator conservation should pay greater attention to values specific to pollinators, as they seemed more important behaviour predictors than general care for the environment. Second, engaging people in conservation efforts can be accomplished by increasing awareness about the vital roles that pollinators play within ecosystems. Lastly, promoting simple nature‐based activities such as wildlife observation, and gardening can help foster a sense of connection to and appreciation for pollinators and pollination. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Victorian period, the expansion of the domestic sphere into the garden afforded women greater agency within their own physical and psychological landscapes. The Pensionnat in Charlotte Brontë's Villette (1853) provides Lucy Snowe, the protagonist, with access to a forbidden avenue within the school garden, initially providing her with shelter and solitude. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this article reads the novel through the lens of the 'prospect–refuge' theory developed by the aesthetic geographer Jay Appleton, which considers people's emotional and psychological responses to their environment. It explores the symbolic uses of the garden space to convey the emotional landscape of characters as well as examining how Brontë positions her protagonist in the garden to allow Lucy freedoms not easily afforded within formal indoor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cahiers Elisabethains: A Biannual Journal of English Renaissance Studies is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Over the last two decades, ecological and conservation studies on pollinator insects have increased significantly. However, scientific evidence alone is not enough to translate knowledge into policy and into changes in behaviour. To reduce the gap between scientific knowledge on conservation actions and their actual uptake, one should understand the socio‐psychological drivers of people's willingness to undertake these actions. Here, we investigated the socio‐psychological factors influencing individual behaviour in favour of conservation interventions for pollinators in rural versus urban environments across three European countries: Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. We administered an online questionnaire to 4541 respondents stratified by nationality, environment, age and gender. Despite regional differences in socio‐cultural and economic conditions, individuals from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands living in both rural or urban environments shared similar socio‐psychological drivers to protect pollinators. People intended to take action to protect pollinators when they felt morally obliged to, when their social environment supported pollinator protection, when they believed their individual behaviour had an impact, and when they engaged frequently in outdoor activities. Interestingly, specific values held towards pollinators, such as their right to exist, seemed much more important predictors of activating norms that promote conservation actions compared to increasing general environmental concern. In all countries, among the conservation actions, the most likely to be implemented was planting flowers, while one of the most unlikely was participating in monitoring activities. Synthesis and applications. People from three contrasting European countries living in both rural and urban landscapes were mostly driven by the same socio‐psychological factors to help pollinator insects. Therefore, our results offer several practical recommendations to promote pollinator conservation across Europe. First, conservation practitioners interested in pollinator conservation should pay greater attention to values specific to pollinators, as they seemed more important behaviour predictors than general care for the environment. Second, engaging people in conservation efforts can be accomplished by increasing awareness about the vital roles that pollinators play within ecosystems. Lastly, promoting simple nature‐based activities such as wildlife observation, and gardening can help foster a sense of connection to and appreciation for pollinators and pollination. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Copyright of Pixo: Revista de Arquitetura Cidade e Contemporaneidade is the property of Pixo Revista de Arquitetura Cidade e Contemporaneidade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tevfik Fikret, one of the leading names of Servet-i Fünun literature, stands out in the history of Turkish literature as an artist who included the characteristics of the old and the new in his poems. While he continued the traditional style in his early poetry, he made a name for himself with his originality and innovations in Turkish poetry in the following years. In this direction, the metaphoric structure in his works emerges with original and new features along with traditional uses. Tevfik Fikret, who included the poetik patterns of classical literatüre in his early poems, tried to write his works in line with Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem's understanding of nature in the following years. Thus, the metaphorical discourse in his poems varies in all of his works. One of the various metaphor structures reflected in his works is the perception of the garden. Fikret's approach to the garden includes original metaphoric structures as well as reflecting the sensitivity of Servet-i Fünun. Considering all of his works since his early youth, Tevfik Fikret's line of development and change in his art life can also be followed in the garden metaphor. In this study, in the context of the garden metaphor, the garden of the lover, which has been seen since the poet's first period works, has been evaluated as the garden belonging to me, the garden of belief and the garden of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of sustainable development has become more important in resolving environmental issues and fostering a healthy coexistence of human endeavors with the natural world. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is expanding across many industries, and it is also advancing in agriculture and the agricultural environment. The planning and design for intelligent gardens using a unique Sunflower Optimized-Enhanced Support Vector Machine (SFO-ESVM) is thoroughly analyzed and researched in this study. The development and plan of intelligent gardens are investigated using agricultural IoT technologies and agricultural landscapes. First, we used the SFO method to select the best garden plan inspired by the mathematical patterns observed in sunflower seed groupings. Next, we use an ESVM model to assess how well each plant species fits into the planned garden. The SFO-ESVM considers several variables, such as soil qualities, climatic information, plant traits, and ecological requirements, to choose the best plants. Additionally, we create an intelligent control system that combines sensors, actuators, and IoT technologies to track and regulate the environmental parameters of the garden. The SFO-ESVM-based conceptual planning and design framework for smart gardens is proposed and systematically extended to give scientific direction for the agricultural IoT of smart gardens. The proposed method was then tested in a real-world garden environment. The outcomes show that the SFO-ESVM framework-based intelligent design and execution of the sustainable development-oriented garden combines ecological principles with innovative optimization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This photo essay documents the making of the Garden of Future Blackness, a sankofa-shaped garden and land-based community artwork that promotes a future where Blackness will be inherently valuable, cherished, and nurtured. Started in the summer of 2020 on the 64-acre site of FAR (Feminist Artist Residency), the Garden became the site of one of three outdoor performances that closed the weeklong Witch Institute symposium in August 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(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.

Background: There is mounting empirical evidence that interacting with nature delivers measurable benefits to people which include physical health, cognitive performance, and psychological well-being. Aim: This study aimed at understanding and exploring how the power of nature and colleagues and principal support assist teachers to adapt and cope with stressors. Setting: The study was conducted in a private high school that uses the Cambridge Curriculum. Most of the students are from middle- and high-income households in the Roodepoort and Honeydew suburbs. Three male and eight female teachers participated in this study, with a mean age of 27 years and an age range between 24 years to 52 years. All the teachers were white, and they taught various subjects and they do not profess any particular religion. Methods: The study adopted a generic explorative qualitative design. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and incomplete sentences. Data were analysed using content analysis to arrive at the themes. Results: The themes that emerged during data analysis pointed out two major protective factors that enable teachers in this school to adapt and cope resiliently - the power of nature that surrounds the school (green space) and the principal and colleagues’ support in the school. Conclusion: Natural beauty that surrounds the school that resembled a park, as well as support of the principal and colleagues contributes teacher resilience in the school. Contribution: The findings from the study pointed out how school principal and colleagues could support teachers to cope and adapt to stressors, particularly the garden.

The eastern population of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) has dramatically declined in the last few decades, which is largely attributed to a loss of milkweed habitat in agricultural areas. Residential land in metropolitan areas has the potential to provide a significant source of the milkweed needed to support the monarch population. To examine if and how urban milkweed patches can support monarch butterflies, we worked with community scientists in the Chicago metropolitan area to monitor monarch eggs and caterpillars in yards and community gardens. We hypothesized that the largest numbers of eggs (i.e. gardens that were most attractive to monarchs) would be observed in patches that were older, had a high abundance of milkweed, contained more than one species of milkweed including Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) and/or A. incarnata (swamp milkweed), and had a large diversity of nectar plants. All patches were assessed at their peak egg count each year, which ranged from zero to 170 eggs in a given observation. To determine which characteristics were most influential to egg presence, we examined patches where eggs were present or absent during this peak observation. For abundance, we divided these peak observations into whether or not the egg counts were in the top 20% in a given year, excluding patches where eggs were absent, and assessed their patch characteristics. Our results show that patch age and presence of A. syriaca affected whether patches contained eggs or not. We also found that patches with the largest number of eggs observed tended to have A. syriaca, more milkweed plants, and a higher diversity of blooming plant species. The data we collected from community scientists in the Chicago area has enhanced our understanding of how urban gardeners can create effective breeding habitats for monarch butterflies. By planting Asclepias syriaca within its natural range, along with other native milkweed species and a diverse selection of flowering plants, individuals can create gardens that serve as excellent habitats for monarchs and other pollinators.

Copyright of Cahiers Victoriens & Edouardiens is the property of Presses Universitaires de la Mediterranee and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The exponential growth of the economy and society has resulted in a substantial need for superior urban green spaces, consequently fostering a significant surge in urban landscape construction. The integration of plant landscapes in urban landscape construction is crucial. The rational use of plant landscape resources to create high-quality urban green spaces is of great significance for promoting urban sustainable development. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the landscape and ecological functions of indigenous plants in the context of urban landscape implementation and then provide utilization strategies of indigenous plants for urban landscape construction. This research focuses on the utilization of native plants in Aksu's urban green spaces (a city in northwest China). Through a contrastive analysis of the dust retention, windbreak and sand fixation, and landscaping capabilities of these native plants, certain indigenous species are identified as suitable candidates. Specifically, Styphnolobium japonicum and Ulmus densa exhibit a dust adhering per plant of 656.50 and 388.46 g·m−2, respectively. Consequently, augmenting their planting proportion can effectively augment the overall dust adhering within the garden. The windbreak distances of Populus bolleana, Populus euphratica, and Styphnolobium japonicum were found to exceed 60 m, indicating their effectiveness in mitigating wind and sand erosion. Therefore, strategically planting these species can contribute to the establishment of a robust urban windbreak forest. Additionally, optimizing the arrangement of Rosa multiflora, Hippophae rhamnoides, Berberis thunbergii, and Salix matsudana can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban gardens. The utilization of native plants holds promise in enhancing the ecological and landscape functions of urban gardens in Aksu. The effective enhancement of the ecological function and the landscape effect of urban gardens can be achieved through the appropriate reconstruction with native plants. The findings of this study hold significant reference value for the urban landscape architecture in arid urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the urban gardens on the improvement of air quality in Shiraz, Iran. So, they were studied in terms of carbon sequestration potential and air temperature regulation. The empirical method was used for measuring the above biomass of trees and estimating their CO2 sequestration potentials. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of nine gardens were investigated for determining the most effective tree species and the gardens in carbon sequestration. Furthermore, the air temperature of the gardens was recorded, and the canopy weight of trees was calculated to estimate the carbon sequestration amounts of tree species and gardens. The results indicated the low temperature of the gardens on day times and high temperature at night, which both confirmed the temperature moderating effect of urban gardens. In addition, the canopy weight shows that Juglans regia and Cypress have more carbon sequestration capacity. Finally, the results illustrated that the canopy weight method has an appropriate accuracy for estimating the carbon sequestration of the gardens and tree species (r = 0.72), which is significantly related (p < 0.05). According to the results, the gardens had an effective adjustment on air temperature, so that they had a higher and lower temperature than the temperature of the weather station at night and day, respectively. It is concluded that walnut trees with massive canopies are useful both in temperature regulation and in air carbon sequestration and can be adapted to semiarid climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cultivated plant species have been classified scientifically and named using binomial nomenclature. However, the current level of understanding by primary school teachers on classification and binomial nomenclature of cultivated plants as well as the extents of inclusion of the plants in the school's curriculum have not yet been explored. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess how well primary school teachers understand the classification and binomial nomenclature of cultivated plants, as well as how many of these kinds of plants are available in Nekemte marketing segments and included in the curriculum of primary schools. Materials and Methods: To gather data concerning teachers' knowledge on classification, binomial nomenclature, and species lists, an exploratory sequential descriptive type design was implemented. A total of 44 teachers from 11 primary schools who were selected at random using the lottery method were participants in the study. Three market segments, few gardens, volumes of Flora books and primary school textbooks were also purposely referred to as data sources. The design followed was exploratory sequential descriptive type in which qualitative data were collected first followed by gathering quantitative data. Results: The total species reviewed from Flora, market survey, previous and pilot student textbooks were 112, 99, 50 and 43 respectively. The 99 surveyed plant species were identified under 79 genera, 36 families, 26 orders and two classes. Comparison of mean differences obtained from analysis of variance were found significance at F 0.05 (2, 15) and P = 0.029 as well as at F 0.05 (3, 172) and P = 6.4 x 10-24 for the measured variables. Conclusion: The study indicated that the sampled participants' knowledge gaps were wide. Only one out of four of them had the necessary knowledge on the topic. Statistical tests proved this finding to be significant at α = 0.05. The results imply that actions need to be taken right away by curriculum developers, policy makers, teacher educators and other concerned bodies to reduce the indicated wide knowledge gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornamental plants are an indispensable element in landscape design. The introduction and cultivation technology can introduce ornamental plants from the outside of the local area to increase the diversity of landscape. This research studied the conditions for introduction and cultivation technology to briefly introduce the garden ornamental plants and the introduction and cultivation technology, and then discuss the adaptability of three peony varieties including Dingxiangzi, Chunhongjiaoyan, and Ruhuasiyu. The Dingxiangzi variety of peony flowers was taken as the subject for the case study, and three influence factors including watering frequency, shade, and temperature during the introduction and cultivation were tested. The results showed that the adaptability of the Dingxiangzi variety was the best. When watering frequency, shade, and temperature increased, the growth state of peony showed a trend of good first and then declined. The increase of temperature increased the disease susceptibility. The results of this study validated the application of introduction and cultivation technology for peony flowers in remote planting and provided an effective reference for the transplantation of ornamental plants to different locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This anthropological-historical paper explores the oft-neglected inner connotations of morality and history as embedded in China's historic landscape. Situated in the heritage city of Kaifeng, it reveals how local gardens not only are architectural imitations of this ancient capital, but also are connected to the nation's past and mediate moral lessons. A deeper textual dimension is further exposed, with an examination of a dynastic record, as well as the rich historiographical corpus lying behind it, to which garden designers refer. The arguments appearing in such a textual and intellectual dimension are then explicated with regard to the city's old walls. The walls, which are supposed to be formidable defensive facilities, now are viewed as the symbols of learning, virtue and civilisation in contrast to sheer militarism. A further discussion about pertinent ideas in Chinese thought finally discloses the richness of this historical-moral aspect of the city's landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionGardens and outdoor spaces are an important part of institutional environments for people with dementia. However, evidence regarding the benefits these spaces have for people with dementia is still limited. This paper presents the evaluation of the redevelopment of an inaccessible outdoor space into a therapeutic garden on a high dependency psychogeriatric unit in an acute hospital.MethodA Mixed methods evaluation was undertaken. An interrupted time series analysis investigated the impact of the garden on falls and challenging behaviours of patients using routinely collected data. Perspectives of the redeveloped garden were captured through (a) a staff survey and (b) semi-structured interviews with families of patients.ResultsRates of falls and challenging behaviours dropped at the time of the garden opening but showed increasing rates each month both before and after the garden opened. Most staff believed that the garden provided benefits for patients however limited staff time and concerns over patient safety were barriers to use. Families identified four main themes related to garden use including: (1) being outside (2) occupation and identity, (3) being stimulating, and (4) barriers and facilitators.ConclusionThe garden was regarded positively by families and staff however, there were barriers that prevented it from being better utilised. Staff concerns over risk were not reflected in falls and challenging behaviour outcomes. Further research into how barriers to garden use may be overcome is justified.

This study investigates the associations of vigorous-intensity gardening time with cardiometabolic health risk markers. This cross-sectional study (AusDiab) analyzed 2011–2012 data of 3,664 adults (55% women, mean [range], age = 59.3 [34–94] years) in Australia. Multiple linear regression models examined associations of time spent participating in vigorous gardening (0, <150 min/week, ≥150 min/week) with a clustered cardiometabolic risk (CMR) score and its components, for the whole sample and stratified by age and gender. Of participants, 61% did no vigorous gardening, 23% reported <150 min/week, and 16% reported ≥150 min/week. In the whole sample, spending ≥150 min/week in vigorous gardening was associated with lower CMR (lower CMR score, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides) compared with no vigorous gardening. Stratified analyses suggested that these associations were almost exclusively observed for older adults and women. These findings suggest the public health potential of vigorous-intensity gardening in reducing CMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gardening has the potential to improve health and wellbeing, especially during crises. Using an international survey of gardeners (n = 3743), this study aimed to understand everyday gardening experiences, perspectives and attitudes during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our qualitative reflexive thematic and sentiment analyses show that during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening seemed to create a safe and positive space where people could socially connect, learn and be creative. Participants had more time to garden during the pandemic, which led to enhanced connections with family members and neighbours, and the ability to spend time in a safe outdoor environment. More time gardening allowed for innovative and new gardening practices that provided enjoyment for many participants. However, our research also highlighted barriers to gardening (e.g. lack of access to garden spaces and materials). Our results illustrate the multiple benefits of gardening apparent during COVID-19 through a lens of the social-ecological model of health.

The architecture of summer residences in the Dubrovnik region from the 15th and 16th centuries represents elements of cultural and historical heritage that both enhance the landscape and bear witness to the rich legacy rooted in the native Mediterranean ambience. By learning about the specific spatial characteristics that define Dubrovnik's summer residences, this research aimed to comprehend their urban and architectural essence and determine the possibilities of using the typology of these residences as a tool for planning the balanced development of both the private and societal aspects of the city. This study identified indicators of the spatial parameters of existing historic Dubrovnik summer residences in Gruž and then analyzed them according to types of spatial planning conditions to guide the construction and development of building plots. The research was conducted using a model representation of the spatial indicators of the summer residences. The analysis of the model data revealed the characteristics of the typology of Dubrovnik summer residences, highlighting the urban and architectural features of the plots, houses, and gardens, the use of technological innovations, and the coexistence of privacy and sociality. The recognized specificities led to the conclusion that the typology of Dubrovnik summer residences can serve as an exceptionally valuable spatial planning tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate the acceptability and feasibility and explore the potential health impacts of a hospital-based herb and vegetable garden. Mixed-method program evaluation assessed dietetic and food service staff health, well-being, and garden engagement. Surveys were administered at baseline and follow-up (6 months). Key informant interviews (n = 6) were conducted at 6 months to evaluate program feasibility. There was good acceptance and engagement with the garden, with 18 participants volunteering to maintain the garden. Key informant interviews identified workforce, leadership, and garden design engagement factors. Participants also noted several psychosocial benefits. A hospital-based garden for staff is feasible if programmatic improvements are addressed. More robust evaluations considering challenges with measuring key outcomes with survey methodology and extended periods are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People may be exposed to questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in urban settings, e.g. residential gardens. Little is known about the garden characteristics that support a tick population. To determine which features in and around residential gardens support or limit the occurrence and abundance of questing I. ricinus ticks, we sampled them in residential gardens in the Braunschweig region that differed in various intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. We recorded the number of questing nymphal and adult ticks on transects, and by using mixed-effects generalized linear regression models, we related their occurrence and abundance to garden characteristics, meteorological covariates, and landscape features in the vicinity. We detected questing I.ricinus ticks in about 90% of the 103 surveyed gardens. Our occurrence model (marginal R2 = 0.31) predicted the highest probability of questing ticks on transects with hedges or groundcover in gardens, which are located in neighborhoods with large proportions of forest. The abundance of questing ticks was similarly influenced. We conclude that I.ricinus ticks are frequent in residential gardens in Northern Germany and likely associated with intrinsic garden characteristics on a small scale, such as hedges, as well as extrinsic factors on a local scale, such as the proportion of nearby woodland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Writing the world today? First of all, this perhaps implies to reflect on the work of our predecessors of all times and of all countries (travel writers, Weltliteratur, 'Littérature-monde', 'World literature'...), by rediscovering a relationship to the world that is not only that of predation or consumption, but rather regulates itself in the mode of dance or gardening. Ancient Japan displays at least two models for this: the door of Rashō and the garden of Ryōan-ji. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greatest architectural monument of Szeged's Jewish community is the New Synagogue (1900–1903), designed by Lipót Baumhorn (1860, Kisbér—1932, Budapest). He designed twenty-six synagogues in the former Hungarian Kingdom and was known as the most successful synagogue architect in Europe. In Szeged, his most special buildings are the synagogue, the community's headquarters, and the Jewish cemetery's ceremonial hall. During the synagogue's construction, Baumhorn worked closely together with Dr. Immánuel Löw (1854, Szeged – 1944, Budapest), rabbi and scholar, who applied his immense knowledge in the decoration of the synagogue. Löw belonged to the Neolog denomination of Hungarian Judaism and designed the synagogue garden as an organic part of the building, presenting the flora of both Israel and Hungary. The Neolog movement brought a transformation in the sacred spaces of the synagogue, moving of the bimah to the Eastern end of the synagogue, introducing the use of an organ and a choir, and defining towers on the outside. The synagogue and its garden stand alone on the global stage, thanks to its extraordinary botanical decoration system that is both distinctively designed and rich in symbolic meaning, drawing inspiration from motifs found in the Hebrew Bible, all due to the remarkable botanical expertise of the rabbi, representing a unique and materialized fusion of Neolog Jewish ideals, Hungarian heritage, and architectural excellence. In our study, we present Szeged's new synagogue and its synagogue garden from an architectural and cultural-historical point of view, summarizing the emergence of Jewish ideas in the turn-of-the-century architecture and the transformation of the use of spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Teología y Vida is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Facultad de Teologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In cities, habitats classified as green areas are especially important for the conservation of species. Therefore, understanding how different biological groups are influenced by differences in the structures of green areas is relevant when planning urban environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different types of green areas to the taxonomic and functional diversities of ants and spiders and to discuss the importance of green area management for both groups. We sampled three categories of green areas: forest fragments (40 sample points), vacant lots (20) and gardens/backyards (20), where we evaluated the taxonomic and functional richness and composition of both groups of organisms. At each sample point, we used several techniques, such as: entomological umbrella, Winkler extractors and manual collection. We sampled 149 ant species and 97 spider species. Our results demonstrate that there are differences in the diversity of ants and spiders, as well as in the number of functional groups of ants between the different types of green areas. As expected, forest fragments are the ones that most contribute to the observed diversity, and our findings highlight the importance of evaluating the biotic influence of green areas at a smaller spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Context: Wild bees are important pollinators for wild and cultivated plants. Besides other causes, their decline has been linked to land-use change such as urbanisation. In contrast, urban habitats are discussed as potential wild bee refuges. Objectives: To expand our understanding of cities as wild bee habitats, bee responses to urban land-use types with varying foraging and nesting resources were analysed. Methods: Wild bees were sampled with pan traps at 49 study sites in a Central European city. Effects of land-use types on wild bees were examined at 12 scales ranging from 50 to 1500 m from sampling points. For analyses, bees were grouped according to their traits (e.g., size, nesting and pollen-collecting behaviour) to account for species-specific requirements. Results: Land-use types significantly affected wild bees covering all investigated scales. Anthropogenically managed flower-rich habitats, i.e., long-term allotments and cemeteries, were beneficial for most wild bee groups within varying scales between 200 and 600 m. Impervious surface affected only some of the investigated wild bee groups, mostly in a unimodal manner within a 100 m scale. Conclusions: This study shows that it is recommended for future investigations to take different scales and different bee traits into account when assessing urban habitat quality for bees. In particular, the non-linear response to impervious surface indicates positive edge effects between urban core and rural areas. Conservation measures and implementation management to support wild bees in urban areas should consider the results on scale and land use to meet species-specific demands effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing garden water sources (e.g., ponds, bird baths) has become a popular and strongly promoted form of wildlife-friendly gardening, yet evidence of their use by animals is scarce and limited to a few taxa and water source types. We examined the prevalence, variety and potential value to animal wildlife of supplementary water provided within gardens of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, using an online questionnaire and field observations of wildlife visitation to urban water sources during summer 2021. Over 70% of 105 questionnaire respondents indicated the presence of at least one water source in their garden and almost 50% had two or more. Bird baths, ground water-bowls and ponds were the most common water source types provided. During 207 h of field observation, we recorded a total of 43 taxa (birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles) visiting urban lakes and garden birth baths, ponds and ground water-bowls. Taxa richness was similar at urban lakes (30) and garden water sources (27), although approximately 50% of the taxa recorded in each location were unique to that location. Visitation rates of smaller-bodied wildlife did not differ between lakes and gardens, nor among individual water source types. Multivariate analyses indicated insect assemblages visiting lakes did not differ from those visiting garden water sources, and small bird assemblages did not differ among each water source type. These results demonstrate garden water sources, especially for smaller-bodied animals, can supplement the wildlife values contributed by urban lake systems, and should continue to be promoted as an effective conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translated into French for the first time, the four texts presented here are those of one of the most important landscape architects and garden designers in Spain at the beginning of the twentieth century. These texts have been chosen because they are representative of Javier de Winthuysen’s thinking on landscape. The critical edition of these texts is intended to provide research material for a rapidly developing field: the history of garden design in the early twentieth century and its relationship with modernity.

In view of the increasing system management requirements of garden landscapes in the construction of smart cities, this paper combines ordinary differential equations with big data and other information technologies. Design ideas of smart city garden big data information management and display system under differential equation. By analyzing the research literature, combined with space syntax, network text analysis and other methods, the theoretical framework of urban landscape planning method based on ordinary differential equations based on big data is constructed, and the aspect planning of urban garden landscape information management module, three-dimensional display module and recommendation module is determined. content. The experimental results show that the user interaction rate when using the system of this paper for information management of urban gardens shows a significant upward trend compared with the traditional system, and the average user interaction rate is higher than 40%. The application of ordinary differential equations and big data technology guides participatory planning and promotes the improvement of the information management level of smart city garden landscape. The designed information processing system has higher user experience and comfort.