The role of public gardens in promoting water-wise landscaping

Lyons, Robert E.Trends in population growth, development and global climate change are increasing the risks of water scarcity around the world. One step towards greater conservation of this resource is reducing the discretionary use of water in the cultivated landscape. This study examined the role of public gardens in promoting water-wise landscaping through a mixed methods research approach. Two surveys were conducted to compare the alignment of public gardens’ educational outreach about water-wise landscaping with the preferences of garden visitors. In addition, several exemplary cases were investigated and interviews were conducted with public garden staff and their external allies in water-wise landscaping campaigns. Public gardens are well positioned to facilitate the adoption of water-wise landscaping by engaging their communities about the importance of conserving water, demonstrating best practices and providing information to help people change their behavior. The data informed a suite of recommendations about how gardens can partner more strategically with other stakeholders and tailor their own educational outreach to be more effective. Specific themes included enhancing collaboration through formal relationships and financial incentives, tactics for improving marketing and communication, providing relevant demonstration gardens and more actionable information and resources, and program evaluation. While the promotion of waterwise landscaping is the central theme of this study, selected recommendations may have transferability to public garden advocacy on other environmental issues as well.University of Delaware, Department of Plant and Soil SciencesM.S