We’re on the doorstep of 2018, it’s hard to believe! Have you made any resolutions? Hopefully the activity of gardening is among your “to do” items for the new year!
I always enjoy reading about the language of flowers, and it seems a common thread in many cultures that the new year should begin with giving or receiving a growing plant to symbolize a fresh start and rebirth.
It’s fascinating to read about various plants and what they mean. If you and I were going visiting in the new year, and we wanted to take a growing gift for our host or hostess, we could choose from many interesting plants. An African violet gives the message of protection and spirituality. The lovely and useful aloe plant is good not only for minor burns, but is the plant that gives the message of healing, luck and protection.
If you’re visiting someone who is into the beauty of the Zen flow of life, take along a bamboo plant. This lovely plant is easy care, and represents growth and versatility. In its natural habitat, bamboo grows very quickly, and is useful for so many things. Next time you’re out shopping, just take a look at all the things that are made from bamboo, everything from cutting boards to clothing and sheets! Bamboo also represents luck. Chrysanthemums offer protection. The ever-elegant gardenia plant brings love and peace. Maybe that’s why it has always been a favorite plant for wedding bouquets.
Want to spice things up a bit? A basil plant sends the message of love and wealth. A chili pepper speaks of fidelity. The beautiful and exotic ginger plant conveys the message of success and power to the recipient.
If you like the idea of a plant message for the new year, but can’t find just the plant you’re looking for, take things one step further by finding the crop of a meaningful plant instead. For example, if you want to send a message in a fun way, visit the produce aisle at the grocery store. A bunch of beets means love! Wrap a lovely head of cabbage up and send luck to the receiver. “Think” about this: a bunch of celery gives mental power! What a fun little gift to take somewhere: one of these items, wrapped up with a bow, and a little card explaining the message behind the plant. Yours would be a most memorable gift!
Now let’s head over to the spice aisle: curry gives protection. Cashews hold the promise of money, as does buckwheat. Fragrant cinnamon speaks of spirituality and success.
In long ago times, flowers and plants spoke volumes from the sender to the receiver, sending messages that were sometimes too difficult to say in times when “saying what you felt” was not always appropriate. Messages like “I love you” or “we can only be friends” were easier to convey with flowers or plants, and in the day, everyone knew the meanings.
The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society is in the process of planning the activities for the upcoming year, and I know it will be an interesting one! As soon as everything is finalized, it will be up on our website; visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca The group takes this opportunity to wish you a happy new year, may you have health and happiness!
Keith and I send our news year’s wishes to you as well. We hope that you have hope and optimism for a happy, healthy year ahead! God bless!
Have a great week!
