THE GARDEN SCOOP: Shamrock or not?

March 11, 2024
THE GARDEN SCOOP: Shamrock or not?

“Top of the mornin’ to ya!” and “Happy St. Patty’s Day” albeit a bit early.  I may be only slightly Irish, but I am all American, as are those phrases! 

St. Patrick’s Day makes the ‘Scoop think of Shamrocks and all things green.  At one point in my life that included green beer. I do not recommend it!  Now, I think plants. I highly recommend plants! 

 

Oxalis is the name of plants sold as “Shamrocks” in garden centers

 

Legend holds that it was the Celtic druids who started the shamrock on its path to Irish glory! They believed the number 3 to be a perfect number and, as such, to have inherent mystical powers. No one is certain why they believed, however, one explanation is how the number 3 relates to the totality of the past, present and future or sky, earth and underground. Whatever the reason, the Celts attached great significance to the number. It’s also known to have represented the rebirth of Spring and later became Ireland’s national symbol of pride.  

 

Oxalis ‘Iron Cross’

 

The funny part is there is no actual Shamrock plant. Shamrock is a kind of slurred pronunciation of the Irish word ‘seamrog’, meaning little clover. The plant is really named White Clover also known as Trifolium repens. A 3 leafed plant that WAS thought of as a weed but is now a great lawn replacement, although not a native plant to our country. In ancient days the Celts believed that white clover warded off evil spirits (it DOES attract pollinators). With its 3 leaves it also became a symbol of the Holy Trinity to early Christians.  

 

White clover is considered a beneficial plant in organic lawn care because it fixes nitrogen. Simply put, it keeps your soil in better shape than your lawn does. Additionally, White clover is an excellent forage crop for livestock and is considered survival food due to its high protein and abundance. Sometimes more abundant in lawns than one might care for.  

 

Trifolium repens aka white clover

 

But for today, I’ll believe in shamrocks and leprechauns with pots of gold at the end of some distant rainbow, hoping some deserving soul will find it!  I DID find a 4-leaf clover but still haven’t found the pot of gold!

 

4-Leaf Clover!

 

Erin go Bragh,

 

“Top of the mornin’ to ya!” and “Happy St. Patty’s Day” albeit a bit early. I may be only slightly Irish, but I am all American, as are those phrases!

St. Patrick’s Day makes the ‘Scoop think of Shamrocks and all things green. At one point in my life that included green beer. I do not recommend it! Now, I think plants. I highly recommend plants!

Oxalis is the name of plants sold as “Shamrocks” in garden centers at this time of year

Legend holds that it was the Celtic druids who started the shamrock on its path to Irish glory! They believed the number 3 to be a perfect number and, as such, to have inherent mystical powers. No one is certain why they believed, however, one explanation is how the number 3 relates to the totality of the past, present and future or sky, earth and underground. Whatever the reason, the Celts attached great significance to the number. It’s also known to have represented the rebirth of Spring and later became Ireland’s national symbol of pride.  

Oxalis ‘Iron Cross’

The funny part is there is no actual Shamrock plant. Shamrock is a kind of slurred pronunciation of the Irish word ‘seamrog’, meaning little clover. The plant is really named White Clover also known as Trifolium repens. A 3 leafed plant that WAS thought of as a weed but is now a great lawn replacement, although not a native plant to our country. In ancient days the Celts believed that white clover warded off evil spirits (it DOES attract pollinators). With its 3 leaves it also became a symbol of the Holy Trinity to early Christians.  

White clover is considered a beneficial plant in organic lawn care because it fixes nitrogen. Simply put, it keeps your soil in better shape than your lawn does. Additionally, White clover is an excellent forage crop for livestock and is considered survival food due to its high protein and abundance. Sometimes more abundant in lawns than one might care for.  

Trifolium repens aka white clover

But for today, I’ll believe in shamrocks and leprechauns with pots of gold at the end of some distant rainbow, hoping some deserving soul will find it!  I DID find a 4-leaf clover but still haven’t found the pot of gold!

4-Leaf Clover!

Erin go Bragh,

The Garden Scoop sign-off

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