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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 to learn and engage with our only true and beloved satellite while digging in the soil and while walking other paths of our 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 where the moon is in the sky and what energies that may bring you and your gardens.
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?
Disseminating phase to the Last Quarter (Waning) Moon in Pisces
Letting things go that no longer serve allows for space for what we do need.
The approaching new moon is when you will reflect on what you may have learned.
Pisces “makes us aware, sometimes painfully, of our emotions. It heightens compassion & intuition. We may have to strengthen boundaries…explore imagination” We’Moon 2023
How can this apply to the garden?
Use this time of release to plant root vegetable or tubers in the garden. Begin to rebuild energy deep in the soil, and be sure to harvest fruits and flowers, enjoying the labor you have already expended.
Moon Garden Plant(s) of the Month
Artemisia/Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) A summer bloomer, Wormwood is a nice contrast plant with its frilly, silvery foliage makes it light up in moon gardens!). This artemisia variety is fragrant and used as medicine and to flavor absinthe and vermouth. Prefer Full sun, drier soils.
Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is a lovely pop of color, especially in a shady garden spot (or in the forest); generally bloom May - July and prefer Full to part sun, moist, well-drained soils; They’re easy to grow, rabbit-resistant, loved by pollinators, and great for cut flowers. They have also traditionally been used in Indigenous medicine as a pain reliever.
See more of our favorites with Plant of The Week on IG @ecorestoreconsulting
Sources and Resources:
Coloring Book of Shadows (my favorite day planner)
The Moon Book by Sarah Gottesdiener
Time Passages app
We'moon 2023: An Astrological Moon Calendar
Shop local, Shop small businesses!
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 trophy, a commodity 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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