Invite cupid in from the Garden!

Express Your Love

There are many different ways to express the feeling of love.  For many people this can be expressed in the form of flowers presented to a partner.  Flowers are an age-old way for those who care about one another to communicate those feelings in a symbolic and meaningful way.   While flowers remain one of the more traditional ways to express intimate feelings between people there are a number of other plants whose uses include love spells and even potions; and let’s not forget the all important aphrodisiacs.

Pick Your Love Herbs

Herbs have been a staple of the love potion consortium for centuries and remain a key player in today’s potions.  The types of herbs that can be used in love potions range from the common to the obscure but all have their uses.  Most of us are busy with the routines of daily life and therefore may not have time to shop for the various exotic herbs available.  Luckily enough there are still a wide variety of common household herbs that can be utilized.  Basil is one such herb.

Basil

An age old Love Magnet- Basil!

Basil holds a special place in many Eastern religions and is a more commonly used herb for culinary purposes in the Western hemisphere.  It has been said that basil is the course to true love.  Many of the spells relating to basil has to do with the burning of the herb to invoke its magical properties.  One such spell is the Aphrodite New Moon Love Spell.  This spell can be used for attracting new lovers and is a fun way to use such common herbs as basil.  Another common herb that is utilized through burning is the Bay leaf.  The Bay Leaf Love spell is a simple spell that can bring forth the love you desire.

Aphrodisiacs

Many herbs grown in the garden have Aphrodisiac properties

Ginseng

Aphrodisiacs are a popular, easy and extremely fun way to keep the excitement of a relationship moving in the right direction.  Similar to herbs, there are a number of simple aphrodisiacs available for purchase at a reasonable price.  One such aphrodisiac is ginseng.  Ginseng has long been used for its medicinal qualities in ancient China, as well as Korea, and has now seen resurgence in today’s popular culture.  Ginseng, now commonly seen in many energy drinks, can be found in two forms, the American and the Asian. Both forms of Ginseng have been found to enhance libido and increase copulatory performance, according to a recent Southern Illinois University study.

Damiana

Damiana is another amazing aphrodisiac easily available at an affordable price.  This plant has actually been around for hundreds of years and was a cherished plant of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, who used it most commonly as an aphrodisiac in the form of a tea that was drank.  Nowadays Damiana is still used in teas as well as some Mexican liqueur, and is still regarded for its enhancement of sexual drive in both males and females.  If you’re looking for a little excitement to share with your partner give Damiana a try and see why it’s been around for hundreds of years and will remain in use for hundreds of years to come!

Saffron

If you are looking for an aphrodisiac with a little more exoticism and are willing to pay a little more, there is one of the oldest known herbs on the planet, saffron.  Saffron can be dated back to potions used by the ancient Sumerians as long ago as the 10^th century BC.   Saffron is a marvelous aphrodisiac rumored to be used by Cleopatra.  The famed Egyptian Queen would sprinkle saffron into her bath water to enhance lovemaking.  Today saffron is the most expensive herb by weight but still holds much of the allure it did in ancient times.   Saffron holds magical properties as well, such as the enhancement of lust and is said to be most effective when used by women.  When you’ve got money to blow and are looking for a fun way to spice up your love making, turn to the age-old herb that is known all over the world, saffron!

Throughout history there have been a large number of plants and herbs used to ignite the passion between lovers. In general, there are a number of amazing herbs and plants that are conveniently accessible to the everyday gardener, which can spark a fire between you and your partner.  While flowers prove to be something on the ordinary side of life, why not add a little vehement enthusiasm to the bedroom and try some of the other extraordinary things plants have to offer.

Invite cupid in from the Garden!

Tulipomania (n.) A violent passion for the acquisition or cultivation of tulips

The History of Tulips

The Tulip has a long, exciting and unique history that has led to the great variety of myths, folklore and symbolism that have come to be associated with this beautiful flower.

History

Today, we associate Tulips (and most bulb flowers) with Holland however, Holland is, in fact, no bulb’s ancestral home! Tulips are from Central Asia, Daffodils are from Spain and Portugal, Dahlias come from Mexico, Amaryllis is native to South America, Freesias and Callas come from South Africa, and most of the species of “wild” lilies are from China, Japan, and North America. The wild forms of these bulb flowers have been developed by Dutch flower hybridizers to produce the amazing variety of flowers we are now familiar with and seek for our home gardens. Most of the true “wild” forms of these bulbs are still available, but with all the glamor of the hybrids, the wild ones are more difficult to find.

There are about 150 species of “wild tulips” that originate from the Pamir Alai and Tien-Shan Mountain Ranges (near modern day Russian/Chinese border), and  east into China and West into France and Spain, with the majority coming from Central Asia.

Three famous wild forms of Tulips:

“Lilac Wonder”, Tulipa bakeri

The “Lilac Wonder”, Tulipa bakeri is a 6-8” tall wild tulip, native to the Greek Island of Crete.

One of the more difficult to find "wild" forms of tulips

“Peppermint Stick, Tulipa clusiana

The “Peppermint Stick, Tulipa clusiana is a 13” tall wild tulip native to the mountains of Afghanistan and Iran

Fun red and white botanical Tulips

“Tarda”, Tulipa tarda

The “Tarda”, Tulipa tarda is a small 5-6” tall wild tulip from Central Asia. This valuable native tulip used extensively in hybridizing

A valuable native tulip used extensively in hybridizing

Tulips in Turkey

The glorification of the Tulip probably started in Ottoman Empire of Turkey as early as 1,000 AD.  During this time, the Sultans celebrated the Tulip flower and came to believe it could help bring wealth and power.  Today the tulip is still the national flower of Turkey.

Famous Turkish Tulip Legend

One famous Turkish lore tells of a very handsome prince named Farhad who fell deeply in love with a fair maiden named Shirin. One day, news spread to the prince that Shirin had been killed. In his grief, the prince mounted his horse and rode it over a cliff to his death. According to the legend, each droplet of his blood caused a scarlet colored tulip to spring up, making the tulip a historic symbol of “perfect” love.

The deep red color of the "Red Emperor" reminds us of the price's blood

Europe is introduced to the Tulip

During the 1500’s European botanists began recording their findings in beautiful drawings. Many of these early tulip renderings began appearing in Europe. The flowers depicted were so beautiful and unique that they gained wide notice. One of the most famous of these early botanic drawings, called “Tulipa bononiesnsis”, become very famous and helped spark a great interest in these flowers.  Paintings depicting these “new flowers” were very exotic to Europeans and helped fuel the fire for what was soon to become the great tulip craze!

The famous Tulipa bononiensis which looks a lot like our “Red Emperor” tulips today

In the late 16^th century a botonist named Carolus Clusius was the head botanist (called the “Hortulanus”) at the University of Leiden. During Clusius’ earlier work in Vienna, he had met a man named DeBusbecq. DeBusbecq was the ambassador to the court of the Sultan in Constantinople, the seat of the Ottoman Empire. As a gift, DeBusbecq gave Clusius some tulip bulbs from Central Asia. Clusias brought these bulbs with him to Holland and began studying the unique flowers, probably in hopes of finding medicinal uses for the bulbs. Since the people of Holland had seen the beautiful botanical drawing circulating throughout Europe, many investors became interested in the flowers as “money-makers” in the developing floral trade market.

Clusias contributed the desirability of the tulip bulbs by being very secretive and protective of the bulbs. The public became so fascinated with the mysterious flowers that some were even stolen from his gardens. This was the beginning of what has come to be known as the famous “Tulipomania”.

Tulipomania

During the 17^th century, when the tulip bulbs got beyond the protective grasp of Clusias, the great rise and fall of the “great tulip craze” began. The bulbs were considered very precious rarities and their price quickly began to rise. Through the early 1600’s the prices skyrocketed as an actual trading market for Tulip Bulbs developed. As the hybrids became more and more glamorous, the limited supply of certain bulbs became highly prized by the rich who, ultimately, were willing to pay almost any price. By 1624, one tulip type, with only 12 bulbs available, was selling for 3000 guilders per bulb, the equivalent of about $1500 today! This bulb was similar to today’s “Rembrandt Tulips” which sell for about $0.50 a bulb! During the peak of the tulip craze, one famous sale is recorded for a single bulb going for the equivalent of $2250 plus a horse and carriage!

During the 1630s, the frenzy continued as notarized bills of sale were being issued for bulbs, fraud and speculation were rampant, and the incredible tulip bubble was about to burst. The crash came in 1637. Many rich traders became paupers overnight, and the prices finally settled at a much more practical level.

The settling of “Tulipomania” did not reduce the real demand and the love of the sheer beauty of the tulip flowers.  The tulip market has been maintained and the Dutch have built one of the best organized production and export businesses in the world. Today, over nine billion flower bulbs are produced each year in Holland, and about 7 billion of them are exported, for an export value of three quarters of a billion dollars. The USA is the biggest importer of Dutch bulbs importing around $130,000,000 worth of Dutch bulbs (at wholesale) every year!

Over nine billion flower bulbs are produced each year in Holland, and about 7 billion of them are exported

The Color of Specific Tulips Hold Intimate and Historic Meaning

“The tulip and the butterfly
Appear in gayer coats than I:
Let me be dressed fine as I will,
Flies, worms, and flowers
exceed me still.

~ Isaac Watts

Tulip Symbolism

The name of the “Tulip” flower comes from the headdress, known as the turban or taliban, worn by many people in the Middle East. The Latin translation of the turban is “tulipa”.

The great history of the Tulip, which reaches to the far corners of the world, has given it many strong symbolic associations.  As a group, Tulips represent fame, wealth and perfect love.

Perhaps because they bloom in the spring, following the darkness of the winter months, the Tulip has come to symbolize eternal life.

Tulip Symbolism by Color

The symbolic meaning of the tulip flower changes with the color of the flower.

Red:

Red tulips are a declaration of love and mean, “believe me”.

Red Oscar Tulips

Yellow:

Yellow tulips mean, “there’s sunshine in your smile”.

"Strong Gold" Yellow Tulips

Cream:

Cream colored tulips mean , “I will love you forever”.

Creamy "Maureen" Tulips

White:

White tulips symbolize heaven, newness and purity.

Pure white, "Inzell" Tulips

Purple:

Purple tulips symbolize royalty and wealth.

Deep purple, "Purple Prince" Tulips

Pink:

Pink tulips symbolize affection and caring

Pink, "Upstar" Tulips

Orange:

Orange tulips symbolize energy, enthusiasm, desire and passion

Ornage colored "Princess Irene" Tulips

Variegated:

Variegated tulips mean, “you have beautiful eyes”

Multi-colored, or variegated, "Mickey Mouse" tulips

Tulips are a long time favorite of the spring garden and the meaning of a garden can be encoded in the color choice of the flowers. For example, a white tulip garden would symbolize “heaven on earth”, while a cream and red tulip garden would be symbolic of a deep and everlasting love. Planting tulips can be a very rewarding way to add symbolic meaning and beauty to your spring gardens.

A moon garden brings magic to your garden!

“The moon was but a chin of gold, a night or two ago, and now she turns her perfect face, upon the world below.”

(Emily Dickenson)

“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator.”

(Mahatma Gandhi)

When we think of gardening, most of us think of the warm sun overhead, we have forgotten the power and mystery of our gardens at night!

Planting a Moon Garden is a great way to make the most of your garden. Your Moon Garden will allow you the pleasure of enjoying the enchantment provided by the moonlight and the flowers that love it!

What is a Moon Garden?
A Moon Garden is a garden that is planted with the intention of being most beautiful at night…by the light of the moon. The selected plants are frequently white and many, like the Flowering Tobacco, bloom at dusk and after sunset. The plants in a Moon Garden have unique scents that will attract night pollinators like moths and bats. The white color of the flowers and the green foliage will often make a moon garden appear to float in the night air. Some Moon Garden flowers, like the Star Flowers,  are selected for their unique shapes that reflect the stars of the night sky.

When planning a spot for your Moon Garden, be sure to note where the moonlight peaks in your yard. It is also important to make sure you have a nice spot to sit, to allow your eyes to adjust to the night so you can fully enjoy the splendor of the colors and shapes of the post-sun enchanted garden!

What are the Effects of the Moon on Gardening?
It has long been thought that the moon , its phases and the signs of the zodiac all have a strong influence on when certain crops should  be planted or harvested. In general, the lore says that above ground crops should be planted during the waxing moon (between new and full) and below ground crops should be planted during the waning moon (between full and new).

Folklore uses the moon phases as a crop planting guide

In addition to the moon’s phases, some believe it is also important to be aware of which zodiac sign the moon is occupying. Certain signs are thought to be better for specific tasks than other. For example,when the moon is in Gemini, its a good day for weeding or mowing and when the moon is in Libra, it’s a great day to plant flowers!

A summary of the signs of the zodiac and their effect on your work in your garden

Even when the moon is in the right phase for planting, check the moon sign, (zodiac) to make sure the sign for that day is fruitful. For example, if you plant when the moon is in the right phase but the moon sign is in the Bowels, you will get garden plants that grow and bloom vigorously, but will produce little fruit. For a complete day to day guide to the moon and the zodiac, visit a Farmer’s Almanac Guide.

Once you fall in love with the night, your fondest gardening will not only occur with the sun in your hair, but also with the moonbeams at your feet.

“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.”

(Vincent Van Gogh)

In the spirit of the mystery and the magic of the month of October, I explore the mystery and magic surrounding the garden and all that grows in it.

The day and month of our birth is associated with a sun sign and, just as the characteristics of these signs are associated with a flower or stone, they are also associated with a Garden Herb.

Herbs can be mixed and combined, based on the characteristics of the Herb, to produce a “recipe”that’s meant to match your individual characteristics. These particular herb combinations are meant to bring you strength in times of stress or sickness. The qualities of the herbs harness the positive qualities the individual sun signs with the intention of creating balance and positive growth.

• Aries- March 21-April 20
  Mars

  Allspice, basil, cayenne, garlic, ginger, mustard, onion, pepper.

  Aries people are energetic and impulsive. They are quick-witted and can grasp many facts in a short time. They reach conclusions swiftly and are often compared to “a bullet”- a red-hot burst of energy capable of overcoming any obstacle by charging straight at it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, the “red” planet, the ancient god of war. Mars has an affinity for all things hot and spicy. It should come as no surprise then, the herbs that correspond with Aries are also a bit “hot” to the taste. Use them in cooking to raise Aries’ endorphins, the substance Mars loves best.

• Taurus – April 21- May 21
  Venus

  Apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, heather, hibiscus, raspberry, rose.

  Taureans are tenacious, diligent and discriminating. This is the sign of the insatiable appetite, not just for food but for everything fine and refined. It is the sign that’s fondest of the pleasures that life has to offer- elegant eccentricity. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a symphony by Mozart, or a delicious meal, Taureans are experts at enjoying the physical delights of all the senses. Taureans savor their meals and are drawn to the gourmet, finest of cuisines. Venus is the purveyor of sweetness and, it follows, that the herbs Taureans enjoys most are the sweet ones. Use each of them to satisfy the Taurean sweet tooth.

• Gemini – May 22- June 22
  Mercury

  Clover, eye-bright, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marjoram, parsley.

  Geminis are the zodiac’s perpetual children, refusing, at any age, to betray their innocent belief in the possibility of a happier world for all. Geminis love to ask questions and are always up for a good debate. The expression “variety is the spice of life” was probably written for or by a Gemini. The quick-witted, fleet-footed energy of this sign just loves variety. Each of these herbs provide a different type of taste, and most can be combined in a light, aromatic tea you can sip on the run. Use clove or slippery elm to protect against gossip and to keep your thoughts and actions grounded.

• Cancer – June 23- July 23
  Moon

  Aloe, lemon balm, chamomile, mimosa, lavender, lilac.

  Cancerians are the Zodiac’s most sensitive souls. They are natural nurturers and cannot help but empathize with, and feel concern for, all of humanity. Cancerians are happiest when making someone else happy and saddest when they feel they have cause another pain or suffering. There’s nothing Cancer likes better than a home that smells good, whether it’s because there’s something wonderful simmering on the stove, a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table, or a warm, fragrant bubble bath. Cancerians like to play it safe and they would be dull, unadventurous people were it not for one thing: very powerful emotions! Cancerians cannot help but follow their attraction and passions and, consequently, they spend their lives trying to stabilize the last big upheaval before the next one arrives. Cancer rules the stomach, which is why Cancerians find a sense of great security in eating their favorite foods- and also great difficulty in following a diet! Each of the herbs listed above are known for their ability to calm, heal, or bring a wonderful aroma to the environment. Use aloe to soothe burns and scrapes and chamomile for a wonderful bedtime/bath-time tea.

• Leo – July 24- Aug 24
  Sun

  Chicory, ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, golden-seal, rosemary, St. John’s Wort, sandalwood.

  Leo’s greatest gift is his natural buoyancy. Leo is ruled by the Sun, the source of life and warmth that keeps us all alive and provides us with the energy we need to keep pursuing our life’s quest. Leo, like the Sun, demands admiration and respect. It makes perfect sense, that the bright, cheerful sunflower would be the perfect representation of Leo’s equally bright and happy sign. When it comes to food, Leo prefers spicy, colorful and expensive. Leo’s aren’t greedy but they cannot resist a delicacy- even if they aren’t hungry. The spiciness Leo’s are fond of is not necessarily that of curry or chili but more the sharp aromatic tang of ginger, peppermint, cinnamon, and sandalwood.Herbs like golden-seal and St. John’s Wort are tailor-made for Leo, too, since their ability to keep the body resistant to illness and depression are well known. Mix a bit of chicory with your morning coffee to help remove any obstacles that come up.

• Virgo – Aug 24- Sept 23
  Mercury

  Caraway, dill, eyebright, horehound, lily of the valley, marjoram, savory.

  Every Virgo has a mission to inform and educate. Virgos are a quick-thinking meticulous sign likes nothing better than a mental challenge, whether it’s organizing a pile of papers at the office, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill. Virgos seek true physical and emotional well-being for all of their fellow humans. Virgos are neither passive nor aggressive, they are simply sensible yet sensual. They want to enjoy life to the fullest but maintain awareness of any dangers attached to their hungers. Virgos are very particular about food, what they eat depends on what mood they’re in. Virgo takes great pleasure in keeping his body intelligently nourished. The herbs listed above are all well known for their subtle abilities to strengthen the mind, and many can be mixed together in teas to give a boost at the end of a long day, often needed by Virgos. The lily of the valley is perfect for Virgos, with its subtle, “clean” scent and delicate flowers.

• Libra – Sept 24- Oct 23
  Venus

  Catnip, passion flower, persimmon, rose, sugar cane, violet.

  Libra is the zodiac’s appointed guardian of justice. Libran’s life task is to weigh intellect against intuition and to the need to be fair against the need to be firm. Libras are like chameleons and can fit in almost anywhere with almost anyone. They are frequently accused of being indecisive. There’s no sign as fond of pleasing others as Libra, whether it’s by saying just the right thing to bring warring factions together, or by using polite charm to seduce their object of desire. Libras are fussy about décor and will often be more interested in a restaurant’s tablecloth or lighting choice than what’s on the menu. Voluptuous Venus gives Libra an appetite for life’s most sensual pleasures. Catnip is famous for its effects on our feline friends, but its also traditionally used in conjunction with rose petals to bring loving relationships that last forever. Since Libras are ruled by Venus, they are capable of being every bit as sweet as the sugar cane – however, they sometimes need a bit of help to attract a beloved. Sugar cane is a potent plant that’s long been used to conjure love, and can be very useful to romantic Libra.

• Scorpio – Oct 24-Nov 22
  Pluto

  Ginseng, dill, patchouli, pomegranate, saffron, vanilla.

  Scorpios mission is to discover the truth and to awaken others to it. Scorpios are blessed with sharp minds, sharper instincts and still sharper tongues. The Scorpio may be sharp in his quest to find truth but his personality is endlessly, vulnerably, soft. Scorpios are used to getting what they want or, at least, what they want at the moment. Scorpios are guided by the pursuit of an impossible dream and enough is never enough. Scorpios like food with sharp, distinctive flavor and they tend to prefer savory dishes to sweet. The herbs best suited for Scorpios are famous for their use in stirring up passion. Drink ginseng tea (or offer some to your beloved) to induce a magnetic physical attraction. Wear patchouli to arouse lust and silently conjure the magic of the Beltane rituals. Present the object of your desire with a pomegranate, the fruit traditionally associated with seductive Pluto, Scorpio’s ruling planet.

• Sagittarius – Nov 23- Dec 21
  Jupiter

  Anise, clove, fig, hyssop, mugwort, myrtle, nutmeg, rosemary, sage.

  The Sagittarian’s quest is for spiritual enlightenment. Sagittarians will indulge travel ,adventure, escapade and fascination in his desire to discover the bridge of wisdom between the finite and the infinite. There’s no sign that hangs on to youth with more fervency and determination than Sagittarius. Sagittarians are always hungry and tend to eat their food very quickly. To keep that youthful appearance and disposition going as Sagittarius travels the world in search of yet another experience: drink a tea made of anise, rosemary, and Vervain. To aid in making your dreams more prophetic than they already are, use mugwort. Burn clove incense to attract the wealth you’ll need to pay for your travels.

• Capricorn – Dec 22- Jan 20
  Saturn

  Comfrey, horsetail, mint, poppy, sassafras, woodruff.

  Capricorns are the keepers of the cosmic clock. The Capricorn’s quest is to treasure the past and measure the mystery of each passing hour. Capricorn seeks to make the most of life’s precious resources and to create the opportunity for others to do the same. Capricorn is described as a very “focused” sign. Capricorn is intent on self-sufficiency and material success. The influence of Capricorn’s planet, Saturn, gives the ambition and self-discipline to attain those goals, and to ensure success and prosperity in business matters. Capricorns tend to prefer plain, wholesome home cooking and, are unimpressed by fancy cuisine or expensively presented food. Each of the herbs mentioned above are known for their ability to attract, expressively, Capricorn’s desired success, and most can be mixed together in a tea.

• Aquarius – Jan 21- Feb 19
  Uranus/Saturn

  Anise, bittersweet, citron, dandelion, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage.

  Aquarius belongs to thought, philosophy and intellect. Aquarians possess plenty of sensitivity and passion but they believe emotion should be the servant, not the master, of the heart. Aquarius is a cerebral sign and his ability to turn “odd” or eccentric ideas into strokes of genius is well known. Aquarians love to experiment with new recipes and dishes. How the new or unique dishes actually taste is of secondary importance to their potential value as a talking point. Since communication (and mass communication in particular) is Aquaruis’ specialty, the herbs above are all associated with the air principle, which rules the intellectual side of life. To increase the Aquarians already powerful intuition, use citron, clover, or rosemary. Above all else, listen to that intuition. It will seldom prove to be wrong.

• Pisces – Feb 20 – Mar 20
  Neptune/Jupiter

  Aloe, bay, cotton, eucalyptus, lavender, Norfolk Island pine, rue.

  Pisces are the Zodiac’s magicians. Pisces greatest gift is their ability to transform despair into hope and fear into faith. Pisces specialize in helping everyone else find hidden wonder in that which we may be tempted to dismiss as ordinary. Pisces have a special inner radar which lets them tune into hidden messages and, somehow, always know what’s really going on in people’s hearts. Ruled by Neptune, the great celestial illusionist, Pisces are particularly fond of food that looks like it’s going taste like one thing but turns out to be something entirely different. As the most sensitive and psychic of all signs, Pisces, is the one that requires help to ward off the adverse thoughts and intentions of others. Since Pisces have no boundaries to keep them separate from others, they need protection against negative influences. To that end, use rue, a powerful herb known to ward off ills of every kind. To stay positive and healthy keep a lavender plant growing either outside or inside your home.

Garden Magic, Myth and Folklore

The garden has long been seen as a mysterious place. Its the place where tiny plant seeds magically transform into the fruits, vegetables and herbs our bodies need.

The perceived mystery and magic of the garden has led to centuries of myth and folklore around the things we grow and how we grow them. Here is a list of some of the most entertaining, unique, wide spread or simply fascinating Magic, Myth and Native Folklore of Gardening.

• Seeds: If  a pregnant woman plants seeds, everything in the garden will thrive.

• Beans and Peas: When planting peas and beans, the rows should always run north and south, since the sun moves from east to west and gives the plants maximum sunshine.

• Parsley: Parsley should never be transplanted,  growing from seed is thought to be critical. It takes seven weeks to germinate and one belief is that it grows down to the devil and then up again. Parsley should be picked, not cut; and never give it away as misfortune is sure to follow. Parsley is not only a sure sign of a strong woman, but it will only grow outside the home of an honest man.

• Basil: Basil stands for “animosity,” and the planting method shows why… the  gardener should curse with great passion while planting basil seeds. As the basil is growing in the garden, you need to shout and scream at it to make it grow into a strong plant, otherwise they won’t grow! Basil is also a herb for purification, love and money. Put a piece of basil in each of the four corners of your house at the beginning of each season to bring wealth. . It is also reputed that any man will fall in love with a woman from whom he accepts some basil from as a gift.

• Sage: Sage thrives in the garden of a woman who rules her household, and her husband firmly.

• Flowers: Red and white flowers in the same vase were unlucky, and even today some nurses do not like to see these flowers in a vase together in their patient’s rooms.

• Beans: Broad beans have been associated with forecasting the future. A European belief was that three beans should be prepared in different ways to produce an outcome and then hidden on Midsummer Eve for the inquirer to find. The untouched bean indicated wealth, the half-peeled bean indicated a comfortable life, whilst the third fully peeled bean indicated poverty. The future was revealed by which bean was found first.The ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (of the theorem) founded a religion one of the basic tenets of which was the sinfulness of eating beans.

• Caraway: Caraway is thought to be useful in combating burglaries. Place it among your valued possessions, if the thief manages to get into the house then the caraway will transfix the person until rescue arrives. For women worried about their husbands wandering off with other women, placing some caraway in the pocket will do the trick.

• Carrot: Write the word “carrot” on a piece of paper and hide it. Ask some-one to quickly answer your questions, ask “what is 1 + 1?”, “what is 2 + 2″ etc. until the answer is 128, then ask them to name a vegetable, they will almost always answer with “carrot” – reveal your paper.

• Garlic: In the Far East garlic is believed to have the power to bring back lost souls and it is  heavily used in religious ceremonies. Garlic is also thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

• Leeks: Old Welsh tradition is to rub themselves with leeks before going into battle to bring extra strength and power while providing protection from injury.

• Lettuce: The Romans believed that the lettuce plant was a powerful aphrodisiac and to prevent drunkenness. It was served in quantity at feasts and weddings for these reasons. In England, on the other hand, country people traditionally believed that planting lots of lettuce in the garden could prevent conception!

• Mushrooms: Japanese believed that mushrooms and toadstools were made by thunder. Greeks and Aztecs believed they were made by lightning.

• Peas: Finding a single pea in a pod when shelling them is a sign of good fortune. Finding nine means that you can make a wish once you’ve thrown one of the nine over your shoulder.

• Parsley: Parsley has traditionally been associated with death and disaster. Bad luck will come your way especially if you cut Parsley for your cooking, transplant it or give it away  and you are in love at the same time.

Whether you garden by myth and folklore or you by hard work, sun, rain and prayer- or maybe both- it’s fun and interesting to learn the stories around the garden.

If you have any fun gardening folklore, magic or myths to share…please do!