Restorative Characteristics of School Gardens and Student Well-Being: Evidence from Indonesian High Schools

Urban Farm DB summary

A study investigated how school gardens contribute to psychological recovery and learning outcomes among 566 high school students in Jambi Province, Indonesia. Students frequently used school gardens during breaks for relaxation, and perceived restorativeness was strongly associated with gardens featuring dense vegetation, canopy shade, water elements, and facilities like seating. Students reported reduced stress, improved mood, and clearer thinking after garden visits, demonstrating that school gardens function as everyday restorative environments that enhance emotional regulation and attentional readiness.