Can the reading of plant parables promote peace? While the spiritual and therapeutic benefits of gardening are well documented, a recent issue of the journal Horticulture Technology showcased a research project that set out to determine whether the reading of plant parables, which included plants and growth in nature, could make people calmer and less stressed.
The research showed that when horticultural information was read to students, they showed no interest in gardening and did not connect horticulture with spirituality.
However, when plant parables chosen from the Christian Bible or classical Chinese literature were read, students immediately linked horticulture to the spiritual and therapeutic benefits of gardening.
The link between gardening, peace, tranquillity and happiness is established and there are many plants with common names that are associated with peace. The most obvious is the rose Peace, which was launched in 1945 to mark the end of World War II. This canary-yellow rose edged with carmine needs space and resents a hard pruning in late July.
The peace lily (Spathyphyllum wallisii) bears arresting white spathes which resemble a white flag. This indoor plant is ideal for container planting on a cool patio, below shady trees in a frost-free garden or in bright light beside a window.
Peace-in-the-home (Soleirolia soleirolii) is another well-known pot plant which not only does well in the house, but also forms a dense carpet of green in the garden.
If planted in moist soil on a south-facing aspect, its tenacity and invasiveness will surprise many.
The olive branch has been seen as a symbol of peace through the ages.
Our indigenous wild olive (Oleo europea subspecies africana) makes a splendid, well-shaped tree up to 7m in height. Its firm green or grey-green leaves have attractive silvery-grey undersides and it bears small, sweetly scented flowers.
The fruit is relished by birds. It also serves as an eco-friendly gift for renewing a relationship that you hope will grow strong over many decades into the future. - Saturday Star