Community Gardens in China: Spatial distribution, patterns, perceived benefits and barriers

Community garden is an important mean of promoting urban and society sustainable development due to its comprehensive values. But there is little research as to community garden practices in China. Taking Chinese community gardens as research objects, this study focuses on their spatial distribution and related factors based on the kernel density estimation and overlay analysis methods in ArcGIS, and analyzes the patterns, perceived benefits and barriers of community gardens through field investigation, questionnaire and interview conducted in 35 community gardens. The results indicate: (1) The spatial distribution of community gardens varies among different regions in China and is correlated with precipitation, temperature and policy. (2) There are similarities and differences in patterns of different types of community gardens. (3) The recognitions for social, ecological and health benefits are higher than that for economic benefit. The barriers perceived by gardeners are identified as lack of design and technology, rational management, and effective operation. The barrier perceived by non-gardeners focuses on institutional constraint. This study further proposes optimizing strategies, which could serve as a reference for the development of community gardens. The results of this study may also be useful for policy-makers to use community gardens for promoting urban sustainable development.