GLOBAL GARDEN REPORT 2012 - Husqvarna Group

are also less likely to feel stressed, angry and
depressed. A wealth of hard data now backs up
the belief that interacting with nature, even if
in a small urban pocket park, can be beneficial
both from a physiological and from
a psychological point of view.
SUNSHINE AND FRESH AIR FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY
Two hundred years ago, parks and other green
spaces were brought into the city landscape
partially as a way of giving the people some
fresh air and sunlight. Today, although these
services are still appreciated, it is perhaps
the stress-relieving, exercise-encouraging
features that have grown to become even more
important from a public health point of view.
In this fast-paced world of denselypopulated
cities and citizens who lack
physically-demanding careers, the existence
of areas that offer haven, retreat, and exercise
opportunity is arguably more important than
ever. And unless you are of the belief that the
mega-trend known as Acceleration is coming to
an end soon – that is, the ongoing global trend
towards an ever-quickening flow of information,
interaction and production seen since the
industrial revolution – these services are likely to
become even more important in the future.
SUMMARY
Although the positive effects of
spending time in nature are generally
accepted, it is only of a relatively late
date that scientists and researchers have
taken a real interest in the subject.
Today there is strong scientific evidence
indicating that people who have access
to parks and other similar green spaces
are not only more likely to exercise
regularly, but are also less likely to feel
stressed, angry and depressed.
GLOBAL GARDEN REPORT 2012
17