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Gardening is a practice that human beings have relied for millennia-the first evidence of 'ornamental horticulture' dating from 1500 BC . In many cultures around the world, and throughout history, gardening has played a significant cultural role, and even through it has given birth to some of the finest cultural events: from the legendary gardens of Babylon, the But what about the psychological and emotional about this practice?

A growing number of studies agree that the benefits grow a garden brings substantial benefits to our physical and mental health. Here I will mention some of the proven benefits of this activity, hoping to remind you to grow a garden we cultivate undeniably ourselves.

Researchers at the University of Texas interviewed 298 elderly people, asking them to determine their levels of joy and optimism. When analyzing the data in search of consistent patterns or indicators, noted that those who repeatedly practiced the 'garden arts' expressed, significantly greater satisfaction with their lives, which leads us to propose: more landscaping and less Prozac.

A study conducted in 2011 in the Netherlands, cited in an article by CNN Health, found that just half an hour dedicated to cultivating a garden, can significantly reduce your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone produced). On the other hand this practice has been associated with a model of active meditation-which brings us to the exquisite Zen gardeners.

In the same article cites another study that, continuing this line, Norwegian researchers created a pilot group with people who had been diagnosed with depression, constant problems in their mood, or bipolar disorder. Patients participated for 3 months in a gardening workshop, which included six hours a week of practice. At the end of the workshop, half of the participants reported significant improvements, a trend that continued over the next three months.

The positive effects of gardening for our mind and body, apparently 45 minutes of working the garden you can burn the same calories in 30 minutes of aerobic-, have motivated the creation of "horticultural therapy" current for at least four decades has been perfected, and now throws commendable results for its practitioners.

It is worth noting that gardening not only re-connects us with the primary state-by actions like putting your hands in the earth, watch the unfolding of natural rhythms, and refine our sensory stimuli through aromatic or tactile-, but also carries a highly aesthetic experience, which demands subtlety, creativity and patience. In short, when talking about gardening are describing an activity that, like few other, relates to a micro packed virtues: contemplation, creativity, temperance, inspiration and, why not, autonomy.

In short, it may be good time to repeat, and practice, the phrase that Voltaire once said goodbye: "With your permission, I retreat to cultivate my garden".

 * Find here acquis fine gardens

Twitter author: @paradoxeparadis