Factors that Obstruct or Support the Development of Urban Sustainable Landscape Demonstration

Abstract

This study assessed the factors that support and obstruct the development and function of sixteen sustainable landscape demonstration gardens in the East Bay using placemaking, community building and collaborative planning strategies. Sustainable landscape demonstration gardens are further analyzed based on biophysical, technical, political, and administrative factors. Data collected via an online survey and site visits were analyzed to explore factors that affect the development, function, and continuity of the demonstration gardens. Previous research found staff and volunteer support, funding, sharing of knowledge, and access to suitable land were essential to community garden success. For these East Bay gardens, developing signage, expanding education opportunities, growing territorial and thematic networks, creating long-term plans, removing bureaucratic barriers, addressing clay soil limitations and gopher impacts, and reducing vandalism are also essential. These findings contribute to practical recommendations on how to further support East Bay sustainable landscape demonstration gardens.