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Book of Shadows -
Gardening
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Wednesday, 24 March 2010 23:51 |
As you are buying herbs, flowers, shrubs, and trees this spring, remember some plants will thrive with others, but there are also some who will never do well near another.
Of course there are some who will claim this is all chemical...for example, a specific chemical one plant puts back into the soil that another will not handle well. But I believe it is more than that. Yes, sometimes, it is purely chemical, but I also know the plant’s (dare I say) personality plays a roll.
Phlox and lilies (top) are nearly inseparable...both easy-going, easy to grow perennials. And pines and oaks (above) love to “touch elbows”. In many ancient cultures, both these trees are considered the “oldest and wisest”.
Basil, garden rue (above), sage, and lavender will never grow well together...in fact it is suggested if you are growing some or all of these herbs (which I happen to be growing all) to not plant them any less than 5 or 6 feet of each other. Interesting fact, lavender is a soothing herb while the others are “stimulating”.
Sunflowers (above) are happy to grow anywhere and with anyone, but many other plants can’t (or won’t) grow near it. Scientifically, the sunflower actually puts a certain chemical back into the soil that will stunt or kill other flowers and herbs. But I have found while many herbs and vegetables will not grow well around sunflowers, many annuals and a few perennials will. Marigold (below), zinnias, petunias, and lilies are a few examples of flowers who do well growing with the sunflower.
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Book of Shadows -
Tradition
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 14:48 |
Fireflies twinkle in the garden like little stars, crickets sing their tireless songs, white flowers glow eerily in the darkness of the night. And for some on this Midsummer Night, a bonfire blazes nearby. Commonly known as Summer Solstice and less commonly known as Litha, this is the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
Since ancient times, many countries of Northern Europe (mainly the Scandinavian countries, but also Ireland and northern England) celebrated Midsummer. Traditionally, a bonfire would be built on a hilltop as representation of the sun and the now shortening days. It was also believed the bonfire would provide protection from evil spirits. The midsummer celebration would also include a picnic dinner consisting of fish, sausages, potatoes with parsley, and fresh fruit. For those living near water, there would be boat or swim races in the afternoon. Singing and dancing would take place around midnight when the bonfire was burning strong and bright.
According to ancient lore, herbs gathered on Midsummer would have miraculous healing properties. It was believed fern seeds gathered on this day could make one invisible. Flowers were also harvested and made into garlands and wreaths to bring health and provide protection from evil. Unmarried woman would gather nine different types of flowers, form a bouquet, and place it under her pillow. Legends says she would dream of her future husband.
To celebrate Midsummer, plan a picnic with a simple menu consisting of fish and fruit. Decorate your home with blue, green, and yellow candles and gather fresh flowers to create wreaths and bouquets. Take a moment at midnight to burn a candle (if a traditional bonfire is not optional) and reflect on the season. |
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Book of Shadows -
Gardening
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 09 May 2009 15:12 |
 Tucked away in dark shady gardens, you may find bleeding-hearts. Oh, it’s not a hard flower to find...their name describes what they look like. Another less common name for the bleeding heart is dutchman’s trousers. These delicate little flowers don’t last long...blooming late spring and only lasting a few weeks before they die back and go dormant for another season. You can encourage the bleeding heart to stay green through the season by watering it often during the hot summer months. Bleeding hearts look beautiful along side hostas and ferns. Bleeding hearts are native to North America and Japan. It grew wild in lush, shady forests where the soil was rich and the shadows deep. Years ago, it was believed you could tell if your love loved you by crushing the flowers. If the juice was red, he/she loved you. If it was white, well, perhaps it was time to move on. Other legend advises on not growing bleeding-hearts indoors as the flower might bring a negative spirit into your home. However, you can calm the plant by placing a stone or coin in the soil. |
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My Latest Art
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Scared to Death
madamearadia posted a photo:
Well, this painting turned out way different than the original sketch, but I am still pleased with the results....
9/2/2010
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Join Me Here
madamearadia posted a photo:
The hour comes and now is near
When you the living so shall hear
The voice of Death and those that fear
Shall so be buried and join me here...
-Epitaph
8/20/2010
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Once Upon Lammas Evening
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Summer Musings
madamearadia posted a photo:
I know a little garden-close
Set thick with lily and red rose
Where I would wander, if I might
From dewy dawn to dewy night
-William Morris
7/30/2010
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Never Forget
madamearadia posted a photo:
Leap Castle is known for being the most haunted castle in Ireland. The history is long and bloody. The small chapel in the castle has long been one of the most haunted rooms...it even became nicknamed the "Bloody Chapel". Years of rebuilding revealed an oubliette filled with bones of countless victims. Many owners would endure strange accidents and injuries during their stay. Though there are many ghosts, this particular ghost seems to have been seen the most. Stinking of corpses and described as being sheep-like and yet human, this spirit would touch your shoulder or hand and stare at you with eyes that weren't really eyes.....peering and staring, freezing you in its gaze....
7/15/2010
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The Latest From My Garden
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