The re-emergence of green – a deeper connection

There is nothing new about the fact that season’s change—like clockwork—every year. And yet, the transition back to green always feels like a surprise. No seasonal shift is as striking as the change from a long, dry winter to a vibrant green spring.

Small buds start to appear on the ends of leadwood trees, marulas, and long-tailed cassias. Grasses push through the charred remains of last season’s burns, and the scent of the first blossoms arrives unexpectedly. Schotias and sausage trees burst into bloom, and life begins to vibrate on a different frequency. There is a sense of excitement, a gentle rejoicing of renewal.

But there is also a deeper connection to this time of year—and to the re-emergence of green. Humans can see more shades of green than any other colour. We have what is called trichromatic vision, meaning we possess three types of cone cells in our eyes, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light.

Green light falls in the middle of the visible spectrum. In fact, the peak sensitivity of human vision is around 555 nanometres, which lies squarely within the green range.

This sensitivity likely evolved for a reason. Our early ancestors lived in lush, green environments—grasslands, forests, and riverbanks. The ability to distinguish between subtle variations in green would have helped them identify edible plants, spot predators camouflaged in foliage, and navigate complex landscapes. Over time, heightened sensitivity to green became deeply embedded in our visual system.

And just as we intuitively know that the seasons change, we also understand—perhaps instinctively—that being in nature has a calming effect. The colour green plays a key role in this response. Researchers believe that our evolved ability to process green more efficiently means it causes less strain on the eye, promoting a sense of ease and relaxation.

Numerous studies have shown that green has a positive impact on mental well-being. It fosters calmness, reduces stress, and supports emotional balance.

So, as green returns once more to the landscape, it does more than mark the end of winter. It reconnects us to something older, deeper, and instinctual—a bond with nature that is written into the very biology of how we see the world.

Freshly blossomed flowers from the red and russet bushwillow trees have been popular for kudu and giraffe currently. The first signs of green push through in the landscape. Image by Marc Bowes-Taylor.