Cultivating Change: Israeli Attitudes Towards Gardens Influence Management Practices Shaping Environmental and Health Outcomes

Domestic gardens in peri-urban areas play a crucial role in urbanised society, by their potential contribution to ecosystem services and human well-being. Understanding homeowner behaviour is key for promoting sustainable practices. This study explores the drivers and barriers influencing sustainable garden management practices such as low paving ratio, irrigation effectiveness and pest control, among female homeowners in a peri-urban region known for its progressive views. Data collection methods include an online survey (n=100) and five semi-structured interviews, complemented by biophysical surveys of participants' gardens. Additionally, the interviewed women completed a New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) questionnaire to assess the role of environmental beliefs. Findings reveal a positive correlation between relational values (emotional connection) and sustainable gardening practices, aligning with existing research on the link between human-nature connectedness and positive garden ecosystem services. However, no significant association was found between fundamental ecological beliefs (measured by NEP) and garden-related attitudes or practices.