Puttin' on the Green

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St. Patrick’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays, but not just because of all the hearty toasting – ha ha!  I think it’s because:

1.     Green is my favorite color;

2.     It means that the equinox and start of spring is close at hand;

3.     I do have some Irish blood in me (amongst seven other nationalities that I know of).

 

 

 

Desert Lupin rosette of new leaves

And at this time of year in Arivaca, the desert is also “puttin’ on the green” everywhere you look:  at the tops of the majestic Cottonwoods along the creek and the grasses at their feet, on the fuzzy rosettes of the desert lupins coming up through the path rocks, and the chartreuse shoots of spring veggie crops germinating in my garden.   Ahhh what a joyous sight! 

 

Spinach seedlings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce seedlings

The color green has positive associations in many cultures throughout the world, perhaps because of the ancient instinct of humans to look for food, water, and shelter in lush green places.  But research studies over the past 20 years have also shown that humans focus better, have less stress, and feel more creative when surrounded by nature even when only viewing it on a screen. 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lotus-like form of the Artichoke Agave
 

In addition, the color green is associated with luck (IE: 4-leafed clover) with long life (IE: evergreen), and with the heart chakra, which bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds.  Full disclosure though: it’s also associated with illness and jealousy (IE:  “green around the gills” and “green with envy”), which may be because it is the color of bile, something that can make one feel quite ill or irritable if it rises up out of the stomach… But since bile is also an essential ingredient for each of us to be able to digest our food, I guess I don’t mind being a little green inside too! 

 

 

 

 

 

New growth on the New Mexico Asters
However, today as I write this on a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day afternoon, the new green growth is becoming more vibrant every minute, with its new life and new beginnings “blowing the doors off” the long winter, both inside and out.   The power of green is strong and mighty, yet soothing, calming, and hopeful at the same time.   May this spring bring a green wave of health and peace for the whole world.  

 Photo credits:

All photos by Emily Bishton

 

View from the patio doors


 

 

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