Feeling at home in nature: A mixed method study of the impact of visitor activities and preferences in a prison visiting room garden

A visitor’s garden in a prison setting promotes positive parent-child interactionsThis study was based on the understanding that a child friendly visiting environment in a prison could benefit both the child and the incarcerated parent and could possibly mitigate negative future effects. The study explored the activities and perceived impact of a newly-developed visitor’s garden at Iowa Correctional Institution for Women. The visitor’s garden is located inside a secure area of the prison, adjacent to the visiting room. This garden and play area were intentionally designed to facilitate healthy parent-child interaction and to encourage more frequent visits. Incarcerated women participated in the design of the garden. Elements in the garden include cushioned chairs and couches, bistro tables and chairs, and wooden planters. Elements designed to encourage play, physical activity, and creativity include playground equipment, a concrete walking/bike riding track, musical instruments (drums, xylophone), and chalkboard panels.

Surveys, interviews, and children’s drawings were used to collect data for the study. Eighty-one surveys were anonymously completed by the women and visiting adults. Items on the survey addressed activities in the garden, perceived impact of visiting in the garden, likes and dislikes about the garden setting, and other information the respondents wanted the researchers to know about their garden experiences. Children’s drawings (N=18) depicted “likes” and “favorite places” in the garden. Interviews with approximately 50 people (incarcerated women and their adult and children visitors) provided additional information about garden activities, likes, and perceived impact.

Almost all (90%) survey respondents indicated that the garden made their visits better. Study participants noted that benefits of the garden included enjoyment of the garden’s beauty, opportunity for physical activity and creativity, engagement with nature, and better parent-child interactions. They described the garden setting as being a child-friendly and home-like visiting environment. They also noted how the garden improved the frequency and length of visits and the quality of time together.

This study demonstrates how a visitor’s garden in a prison setting can promote the therapeutic, rehabilitative, and relational goals of incarcerated women and their children.