Leiden University Student Repository

Soetermeer, Freek (2021)

The thoughts behind gardens: A qualitative research in the municipality of Leiden on why people have the garden that they have

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

In an effort to adjust to global warming the Municipality of Leiden wants to motivate her citizens to take a green garden. Even though there are plenty of campaigns to promote green gardens, most gardens in Leiden are still grey. This qualitative study examined why people have the garden that they have. This was done through an online survey that was answered by 67 garden owners in Leiden. In addition to the main survey a small quantitative part was added to the study in which the relationship between having a green identity and having a green garden was investigated. The study resulted in a complete overview on how garden owners make use of their garden and what influences them in changing it. What prevents garden owners most from making their garden greener are time, money and know how. Furthermore, a moderately positive correlation was found between a green identity and having a green garden. Further research should examine what moderates this relationship.

Private gardens

green identity

decision making

biodiversity

garden soil

Author

Soetermeer, Freek

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Economic and Consumer Psychology

Supervisors

Weiden, A. van der
Doesum, N. van

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en