According to Diane Relf from the Virginia Tech Department of Consumer Horticulture, research has shown that the single, largest contributing factor to the selection of a retirement community is the quality of the grounds. The research findings (New Horizons-A Publication of HRI·Summer 1993·Page 4) also reveal that over 88% of Americans feel that trees and flowers in a city are important beyond their beauty and pleasing appearance. 40% of Americans find that being around plants makes them feel calmer and more relaxed, a particularly valuable attribute in cities today as tension reduces worker productivity. Plants are important to people not only physiologically, but also for mental well-being.