| Children's Gardens are an exciting way for public gardens to demonstrate their commitment to youth. They are beneficial to both institutions and their visitors. Although well-intentioned, garden designers are never completely sure that children will be engaged by and enjoy what they design. This research was designed to gain a better understanding of what children like about children's gardens and how they interact in with them. Utilizing this information, professionals will have a basis from which to design features that promote interactivity in a unique style that reflects their institution and audience.; Participants of this study included 195 children, ages 2-10, who visited The Michigan 4-H Children's Garden in East Lansing. Children were interviewed and observed to develop a deep understanding of how they interact with features in the garden.; Categories of interactivity were developed as data were collected and patterns emerged. The categories include environmental, sensory, physical, social, and imaginative interactions. The design recommendations resulting from this study provide designers with suggestions for enhancing children's interactions with plant displays, non-plant features, other children, and adults in the garden. |
