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A little greenery
By MARY JANE PARK
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 15, 2001
St. Patrick's Day marks the death of the missionary who became Ireland's patron saint. Throughout the United States, it is a festival celebrated even by those who have no Irish roots. In the marketplace, we found lots of items for marking the day.
The shamrock, symbol of Ireland, is distinguished by its leaflets in groups of three and tiny white flowers. The plant is a member of the clover family. Shamrock plant. About $9. Olivia's Flowers, St. Petersburg, and other area florists (prices vary).
Bells of Ireland (Molucella laevis) are named for the brilliant green of their "bells," outer leaves that house tiny, fragrant white flowers. In cut arrangements, they are prized for longevity; they dry well, too. Bells of Ireland. $1.50 per stem. Olivia's Flowers, St. Petersburg, and other area florists (prices vary).
The green light for a St. Patrick's Day party goes to these festive lights in shamrock shapes, sold in strings of 10. Shamrock lights. $5.99 set. Target.
Lime green peridot cabochon beads hold a simple silver "luck" charm. 71/2-inch bracelet. $30. RedEnvelope. Toll-free telephone 1-877-733-3683; on the Web http://www.redenvelope.com.
Make yours a cerebral celebration by reading some of Ireland's most cherished poets. The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats, edited by Richard J. Finnerman, Scribner Paperback Poetry, $18. Sweeney Astray: A Version From the Irish, by Seamus Heaney, the Noonday Press, $9. Brick and click booksellers everywhere.
Decoupaged drip-free, scented candle has silhouettes of four-leaf clovers. Burns up to 60 hours. 4-inch by 4-inch four-leaf clover candle. $34. RedEnvelope. Toll-free telephone 1-877-733-3683; on the Web http://www.redenvelope.com.
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