Garden centres: Growing communities, reducing loneliness & creating connections
Garden centres have long been places where people come to find inspiration for their homes and gardens, seek expert advice and purchase plants and products to enhance their outdoor spaces.
Increasingly, however, they are becoming something much more significant: vital community hubs that bring people together, foster social connections and contribute positively to wellbeing.
Research continues to demonstrate the powerful role that gardening and gardening-related environments can play in reducing loneliness, improving mental health and strengthening communities.
While much of the academic evidence focuses on community gardens and therapeutic horticulture projects, the findings are highly relevant to today’s garden centres, many of which have cafés and offer workshops, events, clubs and social activities that encourage meaningful interaction.
The power of gardening to connect people
A growing body of research shows that gardening spaces help people build relationships and develop a stronger sense of belonging. A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that community gardens foster social connectedness, strengthen relationships and create a sense of community, all of which contribute positively to health and wellbeing. The study highlighted that the social connections formed through gardening activities are among the most valuable benefits these environments provide.
This research reflects something many garden centre teams see every day. Customers do not simply visit to buy plants. They come to seek advice, share experiences, discuss gardening successes and challenges and connect with others who share their interests.
Tackling loneliness through gardening
Loneliness and social isolation have become increasing concerns across society. Research carried out by the University of Essex involving therapeutic community gardening projects found that participants experienced lower levels of loneliness alongside improvements in wellbeing and life satisfaction. Those involved reported stronger social connections and better mental health through regular participation in gardening activities.
These findings highlight the important role gardening can play in providing opportunities for social interaction, particularly for individuals who may otherwise have limited opportunities to engage with their local communities.
For many people, a visit to a garden centre is about much more than shopping. A coffee with friends, attendance at a gardening talk or participation in a seasonal event can provide valuable opportunities for connection and conversation.
Strengthening community cohesion
Research also suggests gardening environments have a wider impact on society. A 2020 meta-analysis examining gardening and horticultural interventions found positive effects on social support, social cohesion, trust and social networking. The researchers concluded that gardening activities can strengthen community relationships and increase social capital.
This aligns closely with the evolving role of garden centres. Many centres host gardening clubs, demonstrations, workshops, children’s activities and community events that bring together people from different backgrounds and age groups. These activities help create welcoming environments where relationships can develop naturally.
Garden Centres as modern ‘third places’
Researchers increasingly describe gardening spaces as a form of ‘social infrastructure’ that helps create trust, cooperation and community resilience. These spaces are viewed not only as places to cultivate plants but also as places where people can cultivate relationships.
The concept of a ‘third place’ refers to a location outside of home and work where people gather, interact and build community. Industry observers have noted that modern garden centres are increasingly fulfilling this role through their cafés and restaurants, gardening clubs, workshops, seasonal events, plant societies and informal social encounters.
For many, garden centres offer safe, welcoming and accessible environments where people can spend time, learn new skills and connect with others.
A valuable role in society
Evidence from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Space to Grow Report, which surveyed more than 2,000 UK community gardening groups, highlights the importance of bringing communities together, reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing through gardening activities. The British Psychological Society has also highlighted evidence showing that gardening promotes social relationships, family connections, wellbeing and community engagement throughout life.
While there is currently less academic research focused specifically on garden centres, the wider evidence relating to gardening environments is compelling. The sector is uniquely positioned to support communities through the spaces and experiences it offers.
As garden centres continue to evolve, their role extends far beyond retail. They are places where friendships are formed, knowledge is shared and communities’ flourish. In an increasingly connected, yet often socially isolated world, garden centres have the potential to play an important role in improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and helping people feel part of something bigger.