Plants aren’t the only living things that are sensitive to photoperiodism, which is an instinctive response to day length. Long-day plants are peas and wheat, plants that perform as days grow longer. Short-day plants are chrysanthemum and cotton, plants that adopt certain behaviors like blooming as the days grow short.
Animals are also sensitive to seasonal changes, as day length triggers the instinct to hoard and hibernate. In people, short days prompt us to gather – perhaps to store food for the long winter ahead – just like squirrels.
Neuroscientist Robyn Williams calls these circadian rhythms in humans “evolutionary baggage”, but are they really?
It’s interesting that our gut feeling to gather coincides with Christmas, as if the powers planned it all along. And since food is abundant year round, we gather things like designer shoes and espresso makers.
But if you’d like to get back to your circadian rhythm to stockpile something for the dark days ahead, think about gathering greens for indoors. It’s just as satisfying as hitting the mall, and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Gathering greens for the holidays is creative in any way you want to make it. It could be bare branches propped up in a large urn. You might like evergreens and conifers crafted into tabletop centerpieces or succulents brought inside to green up the kitchen table.
A walk in the park provides seed pods, fall-colored leaves and interesting grasses. And the farmer’s market is a good place to gather pomegranates, persimmon, squash, figs and other fruits for fall arrangements.
Don’t overlook sprigs. Sprigs of rosemary, lavender and lemon leaf smell wonderful in the guest room, make scented accents as napkin rings, smell delish tucked into holiday cards, and dress up even a simple bowl of lemons in the kitchen.
Go with your gut and gather first. Then use the evolved part of your brain to decide what to do with your beautiful greens.
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