Urban Horticulture for Sustainable Cities: Advancing Green Solutions, Biodiversity, and Human Well-Being
A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 11 November 2025 | Viewed by 115
Special Issue Editors
Interests: history of plant introduction and collection; biodiversity conservation; nature-based therapy; horticultural therapy
Interests: biodiversity conservation; climate-responsive; landscape design; horticultural therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: landscape and human health; scenic perception; horticultural therapy
Interests: plant landscape design; sustainable use of horticultural resources; ecosystem services; horticultural therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Urban horticulture is increasingly recognized as a key solution to the environmental, social, and economic challenges posed by rapid urbanization. Cities today face critical issues such as resource scarcity, biodiversity loss, climate change, and the demand for sustainable green spaces that support urban living. By integrating plants and horticultural practices into urban settings, urban horticulture not only enhances ecological balance but also promotes sustainable resource use and improves the physical and mental well-being of urban residents.
This Special Issue aims to explore innovative and sustainable practices in urban horticulture, highlighting its multifaceted role in shaping livable and resilient cities. We invite original research, reviews, and case studies on the following topics:
- Horticulture for Nature-Based Healing and Urban Well-Being
Explore horticulture's role in natural healing, including therapeutic landscapes, stress reduction, attention restoration, nature education, and the psychological and physiological benefits of plant interactions in urban environments.
- Horticulture for Urban Microclimate Regulation and Sustainable Environments
Explore how horticulture contributes to urban microclimate regulation, including its potential to mitigate heat islands, improve air quality, and enhance thermal comfort. Research may also examine horticultural practices such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and urban planting to support sustainable urban living.
- Horticulture for Urban Biodiversity Conservation
Investigate the role of horticulture in conserving plant diversity and restoring habitats in urban areas. Research may explore the sustainable use of plant resources, the introduction of native and adaptive species, pollinator-friendly horticultural practices, and the promotion of biodiversity through community gardens and urban greening initiatives.
- Horticulture and Ecosystem Services
Examine how horticulture enhances ecosystem services in urban areas, including carbon sequestration, climate regulation, air and water purification, and the aesthetic value of plant landscapes. Research may also address the integration of horticulture into urban planning and the design of green infrastructure.
Dr. Renwu Wu
Dr. Hai Yan
Dr. Wei Lin
Prof. Dr. Zhiyi Bao
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- horticulture
- urban green spaces
- biodiversity conservation
- sustainable development
- nature-based healing
- ecosystem services
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