THE BOOK OF NATURE.

By Nii B. Andrews.

Yesterday morning, a friend sent me several pictures of a striking flower that sat in a pot right next to her in the garden.

Clearly, from the accompanying text, the colors and shapes of the flower had made a strong impression on her.

The plant was an exotic hybrid orchid called the Miller Palm. 

It has a single stem with an indefinite growth – a hybrid between the Papilionanda Tan Chay Yan and Vanda tessellata. It was registered in 1963.

The flowers are sweetly scented, but the colors are riveting.

There were deep dark brown – almost black looking tessellations on the petals and sepals. But the lip was purple/mauve/aubergine in color.

Others have recorded their instant enchantment with the beauty and fragrance of its sweet intoxicating jasmine perfume.

Yet another perspective that is well worth noting is that purple/ mauve sits well with charcoal or very dark brown -almost black.

For the former, we are talking a linen jacket or wool sports coat; and in case of the latter a smoking jacket…..or a purple scarf on a black dress or purple tie with a charcoal suit.

Or there again, purple/mauve socks with charcoal trousers or with olive – an often under rated color; or with navy trousers and a black shoe.

The key to purple’s strength is its versatility.

Purple’s richness of color makes for a strong statement, but its darkness of tone makes it subtle, or if you like – sophisticated.

It is a royal color; a religious color; it is rich.

Reading the book of nature provides ideas and inspiration in more ways than one. 

The reason should be obvious to the honest and faithful among us.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”