The color green evokes a sense of peaceful growth. Its use on or around a front door enhances a home’s ability to communicate a calming and soothing atmosphere. Although my front door is painted a very light greenish grey, it’s surrounded by much green foliage at this time of year.
Last week, while delivering a package, the postman commented that he would soon need a weed wacker to get through the doorway. The vine leaves have grown very large and hang low by the front door. In order to pass through the threshold you have to bow your head.
Having to do this reminds me of a story I once heard about an East Indian worker who had hung a curtain across the top of the doorway to his office. It required that he bow down his head whenever he entered his work space. The act of bowing was a reminder to him to be reverent in his approach to his daily tasks. There’s certainly room for all of us to integrate more reverence into our lives, both at home and in the workplace. We so often take for granted the sacredness of home and the work of our hands and minds.
Earlier this spring, I transplanted a mountain ash tree from the backyard to a spot just right of the front door. This type of tree is very similar to Old World rowan trees which are customarily planted near front doors to ward off evil spirits.
Without words, nature can communicate warmth and welcome in many ways. Mystery and the wonder of growth are inexorably woven into her message.
However much you knock at nature’s door, she will never answer you in comprehensible words.
~ Ivan Turgenev
For more information on mountain ash, see Rowan Trees.
For more information on vines, see Dragon Claws on Vines.
Hi, Amy~~
I love the view looking out through your door. It makes me feel protected, somehow, as if the vines are a buffer between me and the outside world. I remember feeling that way about an earlier photo of the vines around your window.
I have pulled an all-nighter, getting ready for tomorrow’s flight to Manitoba. I’m having trouble figuring out how to pack, with all the strict rules about what can and cannot go in carry-on luggage. And I am trying not to take too much stuff, but I am the kind of person who needs to be prepared for anything. I wanted to be completely packed by last night, but it didn’t happen. So I keep plugging away.
Joan, it does feel like the vines are a buffer. In the summer, they’re actually supposed to keep the house cooler as a layer of air is trapped between the leaves and the walls of the house. I hope you have a good trip.
I absolutely love the photos of your home! Must feel all snuggly and cozy! And the story of the man and his office doorway is a great one….maybe I should do that in my classroom?
Cindy, being cozy is a high priority in this neck of the woods. That would be an excellent idea for your classroom.
Hmm. My front door is perched 22 steps above the driveway. I think maybe it says “come closer if you dare.” At least it’s surrounded by green this time of year.
Gerry, those 22 steps must be treacherous in the winter with a load full of groceries. The green at this time of year is so nice. I’m not looking forward to the bareness of winter.
Hi Amy,
I love the idea of having to bow every time you enter the door. Especially, when that curtain is the green leaves of nature.
Jessica, those vine leaves now adorn one of the bedroom windows on the second floor of the house too. Green curtains are so refreshing.
So do I!
I’m sure it would make one’s whole day feel more magical.
Reggie, we really miss the vines once they fall off later in the fall. It seems so bare and unmagical without them.
I, too, especially love how it looks looking out your door. It feels like such a transitionary (is that a word) place between the outdoors and indoors. It’s almost as if the two worlds come together right there on your door. Awesome!!!
You’re right Kathy, it is a place where the outdoors and indoors meet. Leave it to you to think of that
Your door is so pretty! I love the green.
Mountain ash ARE very similar to rowans, I love the idea of that custom, planting them near the door. A very attractive tree, but I cannot bear the scent of their blossoms. It would drive me foolish having one so close to my entrance and exits:(
Thank you Shelagh. This tree hasn’t bloomed yet. Hopefully the blossoms won’t create a problem once it does.