Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne examined the impact of community gardens on local biodiversity. Researchers found that these gardens increased insect diversity by up to 40% compared to traditional parks. However, the key factor was not the size of the garden, but the variety of native plants. Gardens with more than ten native species attracted twice as many bee species. Interestingly, the study also noted that residents' participation in gardening boosted their mental well-being, but this effect was stronger in older participants. So, while green spaces are beneficial, their design must prioritize native flora to maximize ecological value.