A study on the development and issues of actual conditions of "open garden"

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the development and issues of "open garden" activity by examining the activity actually conducted at three locations. For this purpose, we conducted interviews with administrative officers and the representatives of the activity. As a result, from the histories and actual situations of the three sites, we were able to classify open garden activity into three categories related to public administration: "cooperative," "independent" and "dependent." We also found that open garden activity continues to be carried out as a highly flexible hobby by the participants, based on the exchanges among flower enthusiasts. Furthermore, the activity has also been expanded into collaborative interaction with other groups and into tree-planting activities. To continue this open garden activity, it is necessary for the host group to have its participants interact within their group as well as with other groups on a regular basis. It is therefore more important for the administration to provide opportunities to interact with people, rather than simple economic assistance.