“The garden is a place of connection to nature and life” : the implications of urban green community projects and place attachment to individuals and society

Abstract: In cities, green spaces are important for the citizens’ health and well-being. Allotment clubs and community gardens are places that offer many positive functions for participants. They can give refuge, a purpose, recreation and community. These places can be shaped by the participants and give opportunity to influence public space. While these benefits are known, many of these urban places are still under existential threat. In environmental psychology, place attachment is known as a concept of person – place bonds. This study investigates the impact of place attachment on urban green community projects and how this effects the role of these projects in cities. A multiple case study in four urban gardening initiatives in Germany was conducted in three community gardens and one allotment club. It shows that place attachment has a positive impact on the person – place bond, the group – place bond and by that also on the person – group bond. Its functions can be found in nearly all activities in these places. This means that urban gardening initiatives are vital places in cities, as they support social cohesion and the citizens’ well-being. Additionally, they give the possibility to participate in public life.