Rooted in People: The Human Side of Public Gardens
Why Social Sustainability? Why Now?
Across all sectors, social sustainability is gaining prominence as organizations recognize the importance of centering people alongside environmental and economic concerns.
In a world reshaped by the pandemic and urgent calls for equity and inclusion, public gardens are at a pivotal moment to redefine what sustainability means. While gardens have long excelled in environmental practices—like composting, recycling, integrated pest management, and adopting cleaner power tools—sustainability must also address the well-being of the people who sustain these places. Thriving, resilient communities and organizations depend on acknowledging and supporting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of employees and the broader public. Today, that commitment is no longer optional—it is essential. The growing emphasis on people-centered practices reflects a deeper, enduring value: organizations thrive when people thrive.
This shift is not a trend—it’s a recognition that investing in human well-being is fundamental to institutional success and sustainability.
People Are at the Heart of What We Do
The success of public gardens is fundamentally dependent on the passion, expertise, and commitment of the people involved, whether they are paid staff, volunteers, or community members. As organizational leaders, we recognize that people are at the heart of what we do. It is therefore essential that we nurture and care for the individuals who dedicate their time and effort to supporting, experiencing, and enhancing these spaces for the future. The gardens we lead play an essential role in promoting social sustainability.
The 2024–2025 Longwood Fellows (The Fellows) developed the following resources to provide both a deeper understanding of social sustainability in the public garden field and an actionable plan to support gardens at any stage of their journey.
