YORKTON - As I enjoy a cup of tea and chat with you, it is time to reflect: winter has not been bad so far, and as of Dec. 21 at 10:27 p.m., the winter solstice came and went, meaning that the days will now be getting longer.
Last week we were probably all busy with holiday preparations, and the shortest day of the year may not have caused much of a ripple in our daily routines. Just to review, the winter solstice is the time when the North Pole is tilted the furthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It will be a while till we see a noticeable difference in the length of days, but we are headed in that direction!
And now we are just days away from another milestone: the new year. We might still be sifting through Christmas wrappings from this year’s gift-giving, but guess what? If we are tempted to give someone a gift of a plant for new year’s, it’s a nice idea but not a new idea. The ancient Romans like to give gifts at the new year to make a fresh start and hopefully entice good luck to come their way.
A new plant makes a great new year’s gift. The jade plant is sometimes called the money plant or the lucky plant. It originally called South Africa home but is beloved all over the world as a beautiful and unique houseplant. They like at least six hours of bright light a day, even a bit more for larger plants. They like moderate room-temperature settings, but do not like being near a spot where there could be a cold draft. We should water them often when they are growing in spring and summer and ease off on the water in fall and winter, watering when the soil feels dry. Jade plants can be easily started from one of their ‘leaves’. And the jade is long-lived, meaning they will be part of our plant families for a long time with proper care. If they are happy in their location, they will live long and prosper and reach proportions of a small tree, three or four feet tall. I recall seeing such a specimen a long time ago in the home of a dear friend: the plant was indeed like a small tree with a very thick stem and lush leaves. When I think of the jade plant, I think of my astonishment at my friend’s plant because it was so unusual. Now this kind friend recently passed away, and her book-filled home with the giant jade plant will always be a dear memory for me. Rest in peace, Irene.
Other new year’s plant ideas: lucky bamboo, which supposedly brings us wealth if placed near a south-east of east wall in our homes. This plant is easy-care and looks very elegant!
The syngonium, also called the arrowhead vine, is a beautiful trailing plant that is easy care and does well in low light situations. I have read that if it gets too wild and we trim it back, it will come back even fuller! The leaves are stunning with various color patterns. This plant helps clear the air and symbolizes tranquility.
The sansevieria plant has some unsettling names like snake plant or viper’s bowstring, but in reality, it’s a very pretty plant that tolerates low light and is easy to grow. Giving this plant sends the message of good luck and positive energy.
And if you just can’t decide, a gift of fresh fruits or herbs might be the answer! For example, pomegranates are symbols of good luck and abundance; and mint promises refreshment and wisdom. Maybe an edible bouquet would be a fun project for a gift! Visit the hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca Thank you to our friends at YTW for their fine work all year. Gardeners, Keith and I wish you health, happiness and every blessing in the new year. Happy New Year!
