Importance of the garden since ancient times

THEgarden, in its simplicity and essentiality, has always attracted philosophers and thinkers. Perhaps because it brings them closer to the nature of man, to his roots and not only in a metaphysical sense. It is no coincidence, therefore, that great philosophy and protagonists of the history of literature have always celebrated the importance ofgarden and garden.

IMPORTANCE OF THE GARDEN

An extremely current topic which is also contained in the powerful work of Franco Giorgetta: three volumes for a total of 1.700 pages, published by The ProfileMore and more people are becoming passionate about this topic, many of whom are certainly among our readers. If you're thinking of buying a birthday present, I recommend Giorgetta's books: you won't be wasting your money. Giorgetta takes us by the hand and leads us into the universe of Strong Thoughts, about theimportance of greenery.

ALSO READ: Pierre Rabhi, the garden is a revolutionary gesture

URBAN GARDENS AND GARDENS

Francis Bacon, for example, reminds us that «God was the first to plant a garden». For Cicero «next to the library there is a garden and a vegetable garden» and even Stalin, in his old age and after all the damage he had done with his criminal power, wanted to transform an area of ​​two million square kilometers of immense Russia into a gigantic forest and a «boundless garden».

Now, moving from history to current events, vegetable gardens and gardens are fortunately coming back into fashion. In private homes, public buildings, and even in local government. For example, the practice of urban gardens: a phenomenon that exploded in Rome, Bologna, Milan and Naples.

In line with the "Do Not Waste" philosophy, first: no land, space, air, or well-being is wasted. Second: they grow their own. vegetables and flowers, to the joy of all, from one's own family to neighbors and on the street. Third: it contributes, in a concrete way, to not wasting the beauty of our places.

TO KNOW MORE: Educational gardens, at school to learn and become aware adults

THE GARDEN AS A BET FOR CHANGE

As for the wise men cited by Giorgetta, I'd like to add to her list the name of my father, Luigi, who sadly passed away about twenty years ago. He was a wise man, as I recount in the book Selfishness is over (Einaudi), and encouraged us children, four hotheads, to do thegarden. It said like this: «The garden will teach you to stay together, because the earth challenges you not to argue."Yes, being together. A beautiful gamble of civilization, of progress, of change. A game that can be won, better and more quickly, also thanks to cultivation, along with some, of green bean and tomato plants.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE WITH THEORTHO

Obviously, this requires space, equipment (even small greenhouses), and a lot of work. But by going below this ceiling, we can easily calculate the savings achieved each year by avoiding the purchase of fruit and vegetables we grow and produce ourselves.

WHY IS GARDENING SO GOOD?

But what are the most important health benefits of gardening? Why is it so beneficial?

• According to a recent Japanese research published in Preventive Medicine Reports, putting on gloves and sinking your hands into the moist earth, has calming properties. It reduces anxiety, stress, fatigue, anger. And it even produces a natural medicine benefit antidepressant.
• The vegetable garden is good because it distracts us from bad thoughts and allows us to avoid brood.
• It stimulates creativity and increases children's self-esteem.
• It promotes the production of oxytocin, Serotonin and dopamine, thus stimulating curiosity and good mood.
• A study from Texas A&M University in the United States showed that those who dedicate themselves to a garden, even for a short time, have a healthier eating style. They also tend to eat more fruits and vegetables.

HOW TO GROW A VEGETABLE GARDEN: THE ESSENTIALS  

• Sowing, harvesting and all the work to be done in the garden during the month of May
• The vegetable garden with the neighbor, an excellent idea to improve the greenery and human relationships
• Insects and snails in the garden: the best trap, without chemicals