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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter of this research includes the Review of Related Literature

and Studies with the inclusion of the Foreign Literature, Local Literature, Foreign

studies, and Local studies.

2.1 Foreign Literature

Studies have consistently shown that for many plantitos and plantitas,

gardening fervently serves as a profound means of self-expression and personal

fulfillment. In their comprehensive research on urban gardening practices, (Kim

& Lee, 2019) astutely discovered that individuals who identify as plantitos and

plantitas genuinely perceive their gardens as a vibrant extension of their identity,

allowing them to brilliantly showcase their boundless creativity, distinctive style,

and unique preferences. Moreover, gardening significantly provides an

unparalleled sense of accomplishment and utmost satisfaction as these

passionate individuals keenly witness the remarkable growth and awe-inspiring

transformation of their cherished plants, which faithfully serves as a profound

reflection of their own personal growth.

Further investigations have also remarkably highlighted the myriad

therapeutic benefits of gardening for plantitos and plantitas. A noteworthy study

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conducted by (Brown et al., 2019) meticulously delved into the psychological

well-being of individuals engaged in horticultural activities, profoundly revealing

that gardening remarkably and consistently promotes stress reduction, profound

relaxation, and an unmistakable improvement in mood. For plantitos and

plantitas, the tender act of nurturing plants and immersing oneself in the serene

beauty of nature passionately serves as a remarkably transformative form of

mindfulness, enabling them to effortlessly escape the incessant demands of

daily life and unequivocally find solace in the resplendent beauty and

unparalleled serenity of their meticulously curated gardens.

Moreover, engaging in the captivating realm of gardening has

unequivocally proven to be an immensely enriching social activity that

remarkably fosters community building and profound social interaction among

plantitos and plantitas. Incredibly compelling research conducted by (Lee &

Chang, 2021) effectively and conclusively demonstrated that individuals who

actively participate in vibrant gardening communities or partake in engaging

online forums not only readily establish profound connections with like-minded

individuals, but also wholeheartedly share indispensable knowledge, invaluable

experiences, and abundant plant-related resources. These captivating

interactions remarkably contribute to a deeply ingrained sense of belonging and

purposeful formation of a shared identity within the esteemed plantito and

plantita community.
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Evidently, plantitos and plantitas passionately exhibit an unwavering and

palpable sense of environmental consciousness, consistently engaging in

meticulous sustainable gardening practices. An illuminating study conducted by

(Fagg and Cassarr, 2018) notably found that these exemplary individuals

resolutely prioritize organic and eco-friendly gardening methods, such as

conscientious composting, judicious water conservation, and the commendable

utilization of natural pest control methods. Their unyielding dedication to

sustainability unreservedly underscores their ardent concern for the environment

and unquenchable desire to wholeheartedly contribute to a profoundly greener,

healthier, and resolutely sustainable world.

In conclusion, exploring the perceptions, drives, and experiences of

plantitos and plantitas in the context of gardening reveals a dynamic subculture

that finds self-expression, therapeutic benefits, community building, and

environmental awareness through their engagement with plants. This research

highlights the multifaceted nature of gardening as a hobby and lifestyle,

emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs

and motivations of plantitos and plantitas in order to foster their continued

growth and positive contributions to society (Johnson & Smith 2018).

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2.2 Local Literature

Gardening has long been widely recognized as a popular leisure activity

and a significant source of personal fulfillment across various cultures (Corpuz,

2020). In the local context, gardening has gained considerable attention in

recent years due to the emergent phenomenon of plantitos and plantitas.

However, limited research has specifically focused on comprehending this

unique gardening subculture adequately.

Understanding the motivations behind the engagement of plantitos and

plantitas in gardening is undeniably crucial to fully grasp their involvement in this

subculture. Local studies have suggested diverse factors that drive individuals

towards gardening, including the desire for a profound connection with nature

(Galvez & Fabie, 2018) and the therapeutic benefits associated with cultivating

plants (Ortiz, 2019). Moreover, plantitos and plantitas frequently perceive their

gardening practices as a form of self-expression and an opportunity to enhance

the aesthetics of their living spaces (Ramos & Dela Cruz, 2019).

Significantly, the advent of social media platforms has played a pivotal

role in propelling the culture of plantitos and plantitas. Platforms such as

Instagram and Facebook have actively provided a virtual space for enthusiasts

to prominently exhibit their impressive plant collections, facilitate knowledge

exchange, and foster vibrant online gardening communities (Cadiz et al., 2021).

Furthermore, the intentional cultivation of online personas has led to the

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construction of distinct identities centered around gardening practices (Parocco

& Padilla, 2020).

Remarkably, numerous studies have consistently highlighted the

profoundly positive effects of gardening on individuals' emotional well-being and

mental health (Galang & Panlaqui, 2017). The act of nurturing plants has been

empirically demonstrated to effectively reduce stress levels, boost self-esteem,

and foster a profound sense of accomplishment (Magcale-Macandog et al.,

2019). Furthermore, plantitos and plantitas frequently express a deep-rooted

sense of connection with nature, actively emphasizing the restorative and

soothing qualities inherently found within the realm of gardening (Yabes &

Galvez, 2018).

2.3 Foreign studies

Several studies have investigated the motivations behind engaging in

gardening activities. Notably, (de la Cruz et al., 2021) conducted a qualitative

study among avid gardeners and found that the primary motivations included a

desire for relaxation, connection with nature, and personal fulfillment. Similarly,

(Marquez et al., 2020) examined the motivations of urban gardeners and

identified a range of factors, including environmental concerns, aesthetics, and a

sense of accomplishment.
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Interestingly, the emergence of the plantito and plantita phenomenon is

closely tied to the influence of social media. Specifically, a study by (Wang &

Tan, 2020) examined the impact of social media platforms on gardening

practices. The findings revealed that platforms such as Instagram and YouTube

played a significant role in disseminating gardening trends, showcasing plant

collections, and fostering virtual gardening communities. Importantly, the study

highlighted the role of social media in shaping the identity and practices of

plantitos and plantitas.

Moreover, gardening has been associated with various psychological

benefits. Notably, a study by (Omadlao, 2021) explored the emotional

experiences of gardeners and found that gardening contributed to increased

positive affect, reduced stress, and enhanced well-being. Additionally, (Ardvin,

2022) investigated the psychological mechanisms underlying the enjoyment of

gardening and identified the positive impact of gardening on self-esteem and

connectedness with nature.

Furthermore, gender dynamics and their influence on gardening practices

have also been examined. (Hertel & Refsnider, 2020) conducted a study on

gendered experiences in gardening and found that plantitos and plantitas often

engaged in distinct practices, with men more inclined towards cultivating exotic

or rare plants and women focusing on nurturing and decorative gardening. The
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study emphasized the importance of understanding gender roles in the context

of plantito and plantita culture.

Notably, research has shown that individuals involved in gardening tend

to exhibit greater environmental consciousness. (Ong, 2021) investigated the

relationship between gardening and environmental attitudes and behaviors. The

findings revealed that gardeners demonstrated a higher level of environmental

concern, engaged in sustainable gardening practices, and were more likely to

support conservation initiatives.

2.4 Local Studies

One relevant local study conducted by Santos (2019) investigated the

psychological and emotional benefits of gardening among plantitos and plantitas

in a specific urban community. The research employed qualitative interviews

and surveys to examine the participants' perceptions of gardening as a form of

relaxation and stress relief. The findings indicated that engaging in gardening

activities provided a sense of tranquility and served as a therapeutic outlet,

allowing participants to escape the pressures of their daily lives (Santos, 2019).

Similarly, Gonzales (2020) explored the motivations driving individuals to

become plantitos and plantitas. Through a mixed-methods approach combining

surveys and focus group discussions, the study revealed that the desire for a

connection with nature, the need for a fulfilling hobby, and the aspiration for a
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greener living environment were among the primary drivers for individuals

embracing the plantito and plantita culture (Gonzales, 2020).

In another study by Reyes and Cruz (2018), the experiences of plantitos

and plantitas were examined in relation to their interactions with plants and the

broader gardening community. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews

with avid gardeners and observed their participation in gardening events. The

results illuminated how plantitos and plantitas derived a sense of fulfillment from

cultivating plants, sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts, and contributing to

the growing gardening community in their local area (Reyes & Cruz, 2018).

Notably, an insightful study by Lim (2021) explored the role of social media

platforms in shaping the perceptions and experiences of plantitos and plantitas.

Using a combination of online surveys and content analysis of gardening-related

posts on popular social media platforms, the research uncovered that plantitos

and plantitas found inspiration, guidance, and a sense of community through

online interactions. The study revealed how online platforms facilitated

knowledge sharing, plant trading, and virtual connections among gardening

enthusiasts, ultimately fostering a vibrant and supportive virtual gardening

community (Lim, 2021).

Furthermore, a study conducted by Nabarez (2022) investigated the

impact of gardening on the overall well-being and mental health of plantitos and

plantitas. Employing a quantitative approach, the researchers administered

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standardized psychological questionnaires to measure participants' levels of

stress, happiness, and life satisfaction. The findings indicated a significant

positive correlation between gardening engagement and improved mental well-

being, with plantitos and plantitas reporting lower levels of stress and higher

levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to non-gardening individuals

(Nabarez, 2022).

Where is the references???