by RWF Cameron, T Blanuša, JE Taylor, A Salisbury, AJ Halstead, B Henricot, K Thompson

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 11:129-137

2012

Residential gardens are a significant component of urban green infrastructure, but their provision of ecosystem services is rarely quantified. Gardens are defined here as the area adjacent to a private residence where the residents have autonomy over the space; public open space, communal gardens, “guerrilla gardens,” public parks, and rural gardens are excluded. In this paper the authors provide a review of the role of gardens with respect to temperature and energy use, carbon sequestration, pesticides and fertilizer application, stormwater, water use, air quality, biodiversity, species diversity and invasive species, and human health and well-being.

Publication Type: Journal article
Keywords: air quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, energy conservation, gardens, green infrastructure, human health and well-being, residential, stormwater management, temperature moderation, and trees on private property