RSS Feed
|
|
||||||||
|
for larger version       The Diary Of A Green Thumb
The name "shamrock" derives from the Irish word, seamorg, meaning "little clover." While the four-leafclover symbolizes good luck, the shamrock has only three leaves. It is an Irish-Christian belief that Saint Patrick used its three leaves to symbolize the father, Son and Holy Spirit of the trinity. In the 19th century, the shamrock became a symbol of rebellion against the English, and was strongly associated with Irish identity. To this day, the shamrock remains the national emblem of Ireland. Various members of the wood sorrel family, such as oxalis, are sold as shamrocks for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations. These clover look-alikes are easier kept as houseplants. Clovers have rounded leaves, while the oxalis plants have a more triangular shape. The oxalis may bud yellow, pink, white or purple flowers, and leaf color ranges from green to dark red. They respond best to moderate, indirect light and moist soil. I suggest watering the soil from underneath the leaves, rather than from the top of the plant. This helps to keep the stems from rotting. In very cool temperatures, the oxalis plant tends to go dormant and keep its size. As it gets warmer, you will notice growth. The stems will get taller and leaves a bit larger.
Whether it is a shamrock or an oxalis plant you will enjoy this Saint Patrick's Day, it is all a matter of how lucky it makes you feel. To receive one from a friend makes you even luckier!
Feel free to write to us, at Danielle's Rockaway Florist @ 436 Beach 129 Street, with gardening questions or tips for our readers. I wish everyone a very lucky and very Happy Saint Patrick's Day.
|
|
|||||||
)
