A survey based on the Life Satisfaction Inventory A (LSIA) was used to investigate gardeners' and nongardeners' perceptions of life satisfaction. The LSIA was developed in 1961 by Neugarten and measures five components of quality of life including zest for life, resolution and fortitude, congruence between desired and achieved goals, high physical, psychological and social self-concept, and a happy optimistic mood tone. The survey was posted for four months on one of the largest online resources for Texas Master Gardeners within the Aggie Horticulture network, the Texas Master Gardener Web page (http:aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/mastergd/mg.html). During the 4 months, 402 responses were gathered. Additionally, identical `paper/pencil' format surveys were distributed to garden, church, social and community groups with about 400 responses received. In each group of participants, respondents differentiated themselves as gardeners or nongardeners by responding positively or negatively to the survey question, Do you garden? Results indicated statistically significant differences in comparisons of the overall life satisfaction scores with gardeners receiving higher mean scores indicating more positive results on the LSIA. When responses to individual statements were analyzed, results indicated statistically significant differences on 20% of the statements. Differences were detected on statements relating to energy levels, optimism, zest for life, and physical self-concept with gardeners answering more positively on all statements when compared to nongardeners' responses. Additionally, gardeners rated their overall health and their physical activity levels higher than did nongardeners.
published as Florida Agricultural Experiment Station journal series R-03045. We thank Happiness Farms and Bates and Sons Caladiums for financial and material support of this project. Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of the
Florida Agricultural Expt. Station Journal Series no. R-03299. We appreciate Bates Sons and Daughters and Happiness Farms, Lake Placid, Fla., for providing plant material and partial funding for this research. Use of trade names does not
school garden may overcome their fears. Exposure to fruits and vegetables may encourage them to eat more of these beneficial foods. Horticulturists help to provide more nutritious foods, but we also provide ways to increase our happiness index. Parks and
and red flowers, respectively. Pink purple and red colors are the symbols of luck and happiness in Chinese culture. The newly released pink purple–flowered (RHS 72B) tulip cultivar Purple Jade is the first Chinese tulip cultivar registered in 2015. The
feelings (delight, pleasure, happiness, and comfort) to increase their positive mood by participating in horticultural activities, just like respondent No. 61 said: “Every morning, when I see the flower, it appears a happy day is beginning.” Engagement in
199 201 Shin, D.C. Johnson, D.M. 1978 Avowed happiness as an overall assessment of the quality of life Soc. Indic. Res. 5 475 492 Son, K.C. Um, S.J. Kim, S.Y. Song, J.E. Kwack, H.R. 2004 Effect of horticultural therapy on the changes of self-esteem and
Victorian times. Traditionally, red has conveyed passionate love and affection; pink—grace, gentility, and happiness; orange—energy, enthusiasm, and warmth; purple—dignity, pride, and success; white—innocence, humility, and reverence; yellow
in theta and alpha power are observed in relaxation ( Jacobs and Friedman, 2004 ; Lagopoulos et al., 2009 ; Stigsby et al., 1981 ; Tebetcis, 1975 ). Studies have reported that alpha power increases when there is a feeling of happiness. In contrast
lifestyles that include longer hours at the office, time constraints, and a subconscious separation from nature can have detrimental effects on communal and personal health and happiness ( Kaplan, 1992 ; Lewis, 1994). Observations of workplace environments