Copse and Spinney

Green reminds us of life and growing things. I think of the hedgerows and fig trees behind my grandma’s house. Green is so much a part of the surroundings that if we are not careful, we may overlook it. Green is the color of the lily pads and algae surrounding the coy fish in Grandmother’s rock ledge pond, or the bamboo that grows wild in the field beyond her back yard. Green called out, “Eat your vegetables” when you did not want to budge a fork! Green is the place for many a cool day’s hike in the forest, in the springtime. Green reminds us of familiar friends we grew to love through books; Anne spelled with an E,  Marilla, and Rachel Lynde at their dear Green Gables!  

Let us explore a few shades of green!

Sea Green is the color of my bicycle. When I first got it, I envisioned riding along the beach with a cute cloche hat, or down the lane, with a basket brimming with flowers, a baguette and bottle of sparkling French lemonade. 

The first time I ever cruised through the neighborhood on my bicycle was my birthday. I met a new neighbor, whose yard was a burst of color, vibrant with all its spring flowers! We exchanged complements… her for my bike and me for her yard. She surprised me and filled my basket with large pink roses, gladiolas, and lilies. Later, I put the gifted flowers in a sea green vase!  When on another ride through the neighborhood, I stumbled upon this beautiful bunny haven of wisteria! (pictured above.)

Sea green was one of the best crayon colors! It was also the same color of green as the paint used to adorn most of the walls in our Grandparent’s home.  When I was a kid, I went to visit them in their freshly painted green room. Which such excitement over the new paint, and a vivid imagination, I pretended to be a lady with a long chiffon sage green dress. 

Khaki Green was the color of most of the things my Grandpa wore any time, anywhere. He also had a khaki green boat, trailer, and trim on his house. It is safe to assume this was his favorite color! Even the living room curtains were of a forest print green toile.  To me, wearing khaki feels durable and outdoorsy and reminiscent of going camping. Khaki and sage are quite similar. Sage being the softer of the two, seems more light and airy. 

 This green is a classic decorating color. A sage green bed comforter looks lovely with mauve and plum accents. A sage and cream scheme is calming with a matelassé spread and light linen curtains. Ground it with a heavier rug with a Turkish style border to give it an old world romantic feeling.

Being from Scottish and Irish roots, and now being an Acheson, I am even more fond of tartans. The Gordon plaid is our family tartan. With the return to academia inspired fashion, tartans or plaid look beautiful with a natural fiber cardigan and white Peter Pan collared shirt. Oxford shoes give it “school” look while a pair of black chunky chelsea style boots and a large beret give it a London vibe. 

Green is such a peaceful color. It reminds me of the verse in Psalm Twenty-three. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul….”  Just imagine a field of sheep grazing in the brightest deepest green pastures without a worry because their Good Shepherd attends to them with care for every detail! Here is just a little more green for your soul! “A doe and dots” (baby deer) we saw the other day while out on our walk! 

I hope you have enjoyed this “Green Story”.  Stay tuned for more color stories!  

For more green inspiration view our Green Color Story here.