Soil and Spirit: Hidden Colors

By Jean Golicz, Master Gardener and Mercy by the Sea Volunteer

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Fall foliage will be peaking during the next few weeks along the Connecticut shoreline. Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center will be ablaze in an array of fiery colors. It may seem that this explosion of color occurs only once a year, but did you realize that these colors are always present?

In each leaf there are yellow and orange pigments from the same carotenes that give carrots and squash their colors. During the summer months, these colors are masked by the green of chlorophyll. When leaves stop food production during the darker and cooler months, the chlorophyll dissipates. That is when the other colors become visible. So, the next time you gaze at a vibrant green tree in the middle of summer, close your eyes and imagine that within each leaf, the colors of autumn are quietly waiting. It is only when the tree stops working, that this amazing beauty is revealed. Much like our own lives, the splendor of the Divine spark is ignited when we too stop doing and embrace just being.

Likewise, the evergreens at Mercy Center maintain their vibrancy throughout the winter by conserving energy. According to the University of Minnesota forest researcher, Kyle Gill, “Evergreens use the needles a little bit during the winter, but for the most part they’re in a reduced activity state. A lot of that has to do with the roots being locked up in the frozen ground. In addition, the strong waxy coatings and shape of conifer needles makes them resistant to cold and keeps them from drying out during the winter.”

The spiritual lessons that trees share with us is that in a “reduced activity state” our own vibrancy is best revealed. Advent is a perfect time to rest in anticipation of the beautiful light that will illuminate a world where humans are often too busy to see the colors that surround them.

Watch for Mercy Center Constant contacts regarding opportunities to join the Garden Team for seasonal celebrations including a Holiday Wreath Workshop on December 4th. In the mean time, check out these links…