“It is wiser to build our dependence on God than building it on people, because people can choose to leave us at any moment. But only we can choose to leave God because He is ever present and there for those who need and seek Him with a sincere Heart.” — Terry Mark. 

“The enabling Power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” — David A. Bednar.

It’s Palm Sunday time which marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. Happy Palm Sunday and Welcome the King! Amen!

Many plants are often associated with Easter and the Passion of Jesus Christ. In this season, we are reminded of the wood of the cross and the plant of the crown of thorns that serve emblematically with our Savior. Even so, no one really knows for sure what wood was used for the cross or what plant was used to make the crown of thorns.

Two South American plants that were given religious significance by the Christian missionaries are the Crucifix orchid (Epidendrum ibaguense) and the Scarlet passion flower (Passiflora coccinea). The Crucifix orchid has long, thin stems and leathery leaves with flowers that bloom in clusters of orange, red, mauve, purple, salmon and yellow colors. 

The Crucifix orchid’s name comes from the shape of the labellum (lip of the flower) which resembles a small, gold cross. These orchids are tough, easily propagated, easy to grow and exhibit vibrant, long-lived flowers. They can be grown in containers or in the soil in a frost-free climate in full sun.

The scarlet passion flower (Passiflora coccinea) is a strong growing, evergreen climber with dark green, crinkly leaves and scarlet red flowers. It is cultivated for its large, bright flowers which peak in the summer and fall. Most people consider the passion flower as the ultimate symbol of the crucifixion.

The stigma (female part of the flower) is divided into three units thus resembling the three nails. The five stamens (male part of the flower) are thought to represent the five wounds Jesus received in the hands, feet and side. The corona (the structure at the base just above the petals) represents the crown of thorns. The ten red petals are thought to represent ten of the disciples, omitting Peter (who denied Jesus) and Judas (who betrayed Jesus). And, the leaves and tendrils of the vine represent the hands and whips of the enemy who tormented Jesus.

Other plants that offer Easter connections include the flowering dogwood, redbud, palm trees, and lilies. According to legend, dogwoods once grew as very large trees and were used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified. One account is that Jesus recognized the dogwood suffering from being used for such a purpose and declared that the tree would henceforth have small, crooked branches so that it could not be used that way again. Other symbolic features of the dogwood tree are the white bracts shaped like a cross with a brownish-red spot in the center of each that represents Jesus’ blood. And, the cluster of tiny flowers in the center look like a crown of thorns. Ironically, of the 80-plus plants listed in the Bible, the dogwood is not one of them. 

Also, the redbud (the Judas tree) is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Mediterranean species of this tree is associated with the hanging of Judas Iscariot. Following legend, the redbud trees turn red in the spring as a result of either the blushing (shame) from the Crucifixion of Christ or as weeping tears of blood at the consequence of Judas.

The palm is mentioned throughout the Bible and has significance at Easter time. Palm fronds are distributed to various congregations on Palm Sunday in reference to the date palm fronds that were placed in front of Jesus’ donkey when he entered Jerusalem. Palm fronds were also used in such manner for many victorious rulers in biblical days. 

The Easter lily is associated with Easter but without biblical connections. It is simply an agreeable commercial enterprise since it is native to the Ryukyu Islands (between Japan and Taiwan) and was not found in the Middle East. In modern times, most Easter lilies are produced from Oregon to California and are placed in many churches across this nation at Easter time. Thus, they have become very symbolic of the season in many people’s minds which provides much satisfaction and enjoyment.

Other Easter-related plants include the Easter bell (Stellaria holostea), a hardy perennial herb with white, showy flowers. Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) is a favorite house plant closely related to the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus. And Easter daisy (Townsendia exscapa) is a rosette perennial herb with white to purple flowers.

The Easter cactus is similar to the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus with the main difference being in the time of the bloom (thus the names) and leaf characteristics. The Easter cactus requires a dry period from October to November since very little water is required for flower bud initiation. Also, it should be placed in a cool area under shorter light periods during this time. Then, in December, adjust the temperature to approximately 65 degrees and water conservatively. Following these tactics, the Easter cactus will begin blooming in March.

Pine trees begin growing in the spring and the new growth can appear in the form of a crucifix or cross (late March to early April about Easter-time). The species, the local weather and its geographical location determine if the pine tree will produce shoots in the form of a crucifix. The species of pine trees reported in producing shoots in the form of crosses include the loblolly, ponderosa, Scotch and white pines.

The crown of thorns which was placed on the head of Jesus is thought to have been the thorny burnet in the rose family. It is found in throughout Jerusalem and in other regions of the Mediterranean. Its branches bend easily and it develops branching thorns at the end of its canopy which supports these thoughts.

The temptation in plant selection can be very obvious during seasons such as Easter. As you commit to the effort and cost of spring purchasing and planting of flowers and plants in your home landscape, please also commit to providing the necessary care to keep them healthy and attractive. Continue to think in terms of native and sustainable plants in the landscape rather than those with invasive characteristics.

Remember to feed and water the songbirds, and give your pets the care they need. Be on the lookout for children playing and bicyclists riding along the streets and roadways throughout our communities. Pay attention to school buses and respect their stop signs and other signals as they transport our children to and from school and home. And remember to safely share the road with motorcycles. Drive alert and arrive alive. Don’t drive distracted or impaired, don’t text while driving, and “click it” or ticket. Let’s keep everyone safe while enjoying the spring season! Help the homeless every chance you get. And as you receive blessings, always pay them forward and share with others.

Remember, Easter is April 21. This is the month for Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26) — so plan on doing something favorable for the environment at home or the office, whether planting a single tree or a bed of landscape plants. Also, the Thomasville Rose Show and Festival is April 25-27 and The Storehouse at Heritage Church Moultrie will be having their quarterly sale for missions on Friday, May 3 (7 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturday, May 4 (7 a.m. -1 p.m.). In addition, continue to be prayer and support for our annual Peru Mission Trip on June 10-17.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6. 

“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.” Psalm 50:1. 

“O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in Your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.” Psalm 143:1.

Seagle is a Sustainability Associate, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International), Professor Emeritus and Honorary Alumnus (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Distinguished Professor for Teaching and Learning (University System of Georgia) and Short Term Missionary (Heritage Church, Moultrie). Direct inquiries to csi_seagle @yahoo.com.