Analysis of Perceived Restorativeness, Restoration Outcomes, and Plant Preference of Garden Visitors: Focusing on National Gardens, Local Gardens, and Private Gardens

Abstract

Background and objective: This study was conducted to provide basic data for more active use of gardens by analyzing perceived restorativeness, restoration outcomes, and plant preference of garden visitors.Methods: The study was conducted from April 20 to June 25, 2022 on 6 research sites including national gardens, local gardens, and private gardens, and a survey was conducted on 360 adults who agreed to participate in the study. Perceived restorativeness, restoration outcomes, and plant preference of garden visitors were measured. Frequency analysis, one-way ANOVA, chi-square test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis were conducted for data analysis using the SPSS Statistics 19.0.Results: The results of this study are as follows. Perceived restorativeness (F = 4.507, <i>p</i> < .05) and restoration outcomes (F = 3.321, <i>p</i> < .05) of garden visitors showed statistically significant differences by group. Preference for plants with a lot of fragrance (F = 4.125, <i>p</i> < .05) and large-flowered plants (F = 3.155, <i>p</i> < .05) showed statistically significant differences by group, and the preference was high. Perceived restorativeness, restoration outcomes, and plant preference mostly showed significant positive correlations. Perceived restorativeness had a positive effect on restoration outcomes and plant preference, and restoration outcomes had a positive effect on plant preference.Conclusion: Gardens can serve as a restorative environment providing visitors with relaxation and psychological stability. It is necessary to reflect the design elements of a healing environment that lead to positive restorative effects on garden design and to plant preferred plants in the gardens.