With our gardens in full swing, now is the perfect time to add a little magic.
Gardening is a pastime that many people enjoy. There is a certain excitement in the air when it comes to planning, caring for, and creating a garden to call your own. Gardens can take many shapes and forms. Some people have plots that are made up of all flowers, while others focus on growing herbs and vegetables. Then there are the people who love growing all types of plants and find a mixture of the above in their space. While there are many things we can do to ensure our gardens thrive, one of my favorites is to add a little extra magic to my space.
When wanting to create an enchanting garden there are many different ways to go about it. It can be as simple as adding fairy houses and other decor to your area, or more complex ways such as gardening in tune with the moon cycles. Below we will touch on a few ideas to help get you inspired.
Welcoming Nature Spirits:
There are many types of nature spirits including fairies and gnomes that enjoy spending time in the garden. Gnomes like small tasks and enjoy keeping themselves busy, while fairies prefer to dance amongst the flowers or sleep upon the blooms. Spirits like these enjoy small spaces where they can hide and protect themselves from danger. Placing small houses or other structures around helps to invite the spirits in. Leaving offerings of seeds, nuts, fruits, honey, milk, and shiny trinkets is preferred, as it helps to let them know that they are welcome in this space. Another way to invite nature spirits to your garden is by planting flowers and crops that have associations with fairies, gnomes, or the spirits you are trying to attract.
Gardening by the Moon:
Many cultures use the moon cycles as a way to tend to their gardens. The basic idea behind gardening by the moon is that the cycles of the moon not only affect the tides but also affect plant growth. It is thought that the different phases of the moon affect moisture in the soil due to its gravitational pull. It is also believed that seeds will absorb more water during the full moon and the new moon because more moisture is pulled to the soil surface. This causes seeds to swell, which results in greater germination, stronger roots, and better-established plants. When gardening by the moon there are two main periods of the lunar cycle that we focus on, the waxing and waning moon. Gardening with the moon cycles can be as simple or complex as you would like it to be. A simple way to apply this to your gardening habits is by watering your garden during the new moon phase rather than at a full moon. To make it more complex, research what sign the moon is in or learn what lunar phase is preferred to harvest during.
Leave offerings for Earth Deities:
Throughout history, many different gods and goddesses have been associated with gardens, farming, agriculture, and harvest. Research which deities align with you (it can be more than one) and leave offerings in the garden for them. It is important to give thanks and honor your soil, plants, and even Mother Earth for allowing things to grow.