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Jupiter is
one of the social planets. It has affinity with our life in community
and the common ground we share. This includes land surrounding our public
institutions such as libraries, city halls and universities. In countries
with a ruling monarchy, Jupiter's influence may be seen in the formal
gardens near the homes of royalty. In lands of democracy, parks and recreation
officials seem cosmically inspired to plant Jupiter's oak and chestnut
trees in public parks and around government buildings.
Colorful
and Hardy
The plants
associated with Jupiter always make a grand public display. They are big
and colorful and they demand to be noticed. Like royalty, these plants
are often clothed in purple but also blue, yellow and sea green. Who can
ignore a group of flowering canna bulbs or a red bud tree in full bloom?
Close to our homes, Jupiter's plants prefer living in front yards so neighbors
and those passing by can enjoy them. They make a visual statement that
other people understand as shared beauty and pleasure, our gift to the
neighborhood.
Jupiter is
the eternal optimist, so its plants never become discouraged, even when
growing conditions are less than ideal. They are extremely hardy, able
to survive a crowded urban environment and even inclement weather. Gardeners
who've witnessed a bed of tulips persist through a late spring snow understand
how Jupiter's hope and enthusiasm can overcome many obstacles.
Flowers
of Faith
Our faith
communities come under the domain of Jupiter, so those heavenly floral
arrangements that accompany worship services are also connected with this
planet. The flowers that adorn our altars—the gladiolas, dahlias and passionflowers—have
an affinity with this planet. No rite of passage, like a wedding or funeral,
would be complete without an exhibit of Jupiter's flowers.
Nature’s
Bounty
Jupiter is
also the most bountiful of planets. Annuals that continue to produce flowers
all summer such as petunias belong to Jupiter, as do many species of
evergreens. Out of this bounty comes great generosity and kindness toward
others. This planet assures we'll always have enough daisies and delphiniums
to share with friends and family.
Most vegetables
are considered too common to fall under the domain of Jupiter. The bounteous
zucchini has traditionally been assigned to the Moon. However, the size
of its leaves and liberal amount of produce make this author suspect hybrid
zucchini has been cross pollinated with a rare Jupiter species. Zucchini
is the only gift so plentiful that even polite people feel free to reject
it.
Jupiter’s
Herbs
Herbalists
are familiar with the beneficial effects of Jupiter's herbs. In the body,
this planet governs the liver and lungs. Its herbs are considered beneficial
to these organs and to all diseases that stem from corruption of the blood.
Liverwort, lungwort and selfheal are three Jupiter herbs used to promote
healing of these kinds of infirmity. Plants of borage, sage and chervil
bring Jupiter's beneficial influence into our herb beds and our salads.
Jupiter is
known as "The Great Benefic," the planet of extreme good fortune.
Where Saturn sets limits and boundaries, Jupiter expands them. It invites
us to go beyond our limits, to stretch and expand our horizons by doing
something entirely different. Jupiter insists that we don't become rigid
or stale. Gardeners who experiment by planting even a few new varieties
of plants each year are paying homage to Jupiter. Those who share their
harvest with others are living in accordance with the highest principles
of this benefic planet.
Plants of
Jupiter
Trees,
Shrubs and Shrublets
- Cedar
(Cedrus)
- Juniper
(Juniperus)
- Oak (Quercus)
- Scarlet
maple (Acer rubrum)
- Tulip
tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Perennials,
Bulbs and Bulb-like Plants
- Canna
(Cannaceae)
- Columbine
(Aquilegia)
- Globe
thistle (Echinops)
- Heliotrope
(Heliotropium arborescens)
- Iris (Iridaceae)
- Lungwort
(Pulmonaria)
- Prunella
(Self-heal)
- Purple
loosetrife (Lythrum virgatum)
- Speedwell
(Veronica)
- Tulips
(Liliaceae)
- Annuals,
Biennials and Grasses
- Annual
phlox (Phlox drummondii)
- Bellflower
(Campula)
- Japanese
blood grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra')
- Snapdragon
(Antirrhinum majus)
- Strawflower
(Helichrysum bracteatum
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