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Moon Gardening
Since time immemorial our ancestors have lived, told time, fell in love, passed down stories and tended the gardens by the light of the moon. I would like to offer the opportunity for you all to learn more and engage with our only true and beloved satellite while digging in the soil and while walking other paths of your lives.
How does it work - different phases of the moon provide different energies for working in the garden (and all aspects of our lives) to support a specific task or goal.
This is related to but not exactly the same as planting by Astrological days. There is some overlap and you can do both concurrently or choose only one. In these posts I will focus on Moon gardening, yet I will add tid-bits about which astrological sign we may be in at the time.
The Moon, as you all know, directly affects our gravity and the tides. Did you realize it affects gravity on everything - all water on Earth; in our bodies and down to the water in single cells of plants and animals.
Where are we now?
In this transition time between June and July the Sun is in Cancer, a time of feeling and sensitivity. The Moon is between Virgo and Libra over the next few days. Energies for starting positive habits, working on relationships and finding balance.
Between the New Moon and the Full Moon is the Waxing Crescent Phase and in itself is in ‘a period of regeneration’ and ‘holding hands with hope’.
Look up, take in the small sliver of the new moon coming into view. Smile back at her.
A wonderful descriptive image of this moon time from Sarah Gottessdiner’s The Moon Book resonated with me at this phase this month.
“This is newborn energy: wobbly colt legs finding footing on solid ground.”
How can this apply to the garden?
If you planted seeds at the new moon (this month or last) now is a time to be thinking about what those seeds have transformed into since. Are there leaves you can harvest as you wander the garden - I am enjoying the spicy arugula - or tend your tomatoes as they need to be fed and pruned for a full harvest in the coming months.
Plants for the Moon Garden:
Pink Campion* (Silene coronaria) - Wonderful magenta flowers. Great for dry or overlooked areas to bring your attention back to.
*Not native, but a beautiful garden addition
Mock Orange (Philidelphus lewisii) - Fragrant white flowers and lush foliage to enjoy in the mid-summer evening.
Sources and Resources:
Coloring Book of Shadows (my favorite day planner)
The Moon Book by Sarah Gottesdiener
The Herbal Academy
Online links for reference - Shop local, Shop small business!
While you are learning more about the moon’s seasons, energy, power and spirit I ask that each of you also consider how you can help protect her - right now (and for some time really) there has been an assault on the moon. To regard this beautiful being in our solar system only as a resource, a thing to exploit for our benefit is beyond unfortunate and will only do us harm in the long run.
Please join me in honoring the moon by accepting and celebrating what she has to offer. I look forward to learning more with all of you.
Moon Phases and their associations.
There are four primary phases, in some resources you may see as many as 9. Here I am introducing the most commonly seen. Please note this list of associations or attributes is not exhaustive, only a foundation to get us started on this journey together. Remember these apply to all aspects of life not just in the landscape.
New - Set New Intentions, Start Projects, Renew and Regenerate
First Quarter - Take Action, Increase Energy, Let things In
Full - Culmination, Complete and Fulfill
Last Quarter - Banishing, Let things Go
In addition to the phases there are periods of transition.
Waxing is the time between new & full; the first quarter
Waning is the time between full & new; the last quarter
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