Lauriane leads an interdisciplinary research programme on the influence of gardens and gardening on health and wellbeing. She is working in partnership with the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape Architecture
I'm conducting research on how domestic gardens can support physical and mental health through exposure to plants and wildlife. Our aim is to promote the health, social and cultural value of green spaces for the general population as well as for specific groups of people who may not otherwise have access to safe and private gardens. Gardens and gardening can play an important role in the UK’s health and social care systems. Supported by empirical research, the RHS is a key organisation able to deliver on evidence collation and dissemination, as well as practical interventions and gardening opportunities.
“It’s fulfilling to see the tangible impacts of our research on people’s wellbeing, while contributing to the evidence-base on how to design, create, and sustain healthy societies.”
Mental health is a growing public health concern. In the UK, one in four adults currently experiences a significant mental health problem. The RHS has extensive knowledge and continues to understand how gardens can be optimised for wildlife but there is very limited research undertaken on how gardens can be leveraged to maximise health and wellbeing benefits for humans. In the environmental horticulture team, we conduct our own research as well as being good science communicators. We relay our findings to members, visitors, government, industry partners, and the general public in ways that are as accessible, applicable, and policy-relevant as possible.
I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
