The true spirit of the season is to love and protect each other and our Earth

This holiday season is marked by widespread economic and environmental trials. We are all being asked to look honestly at our actions and our choices. For many, this means the always difficult task of finding unique gifts for our loved ones has taken on the new depth of finding unique, meaningful and purposeful gifts!

As we are faced, both as a country at large and within our own families, with the challenge of making smarter choices, the backyard garden is finding a new home in our hearts.

Here are my Top 5 suggestions of Seeds to give as gifts this Holiday Season. I chose these seeds based both on the meanings they hold on on the usefulness and/or beauty of the plants they produce.

Enjoy!

5. Vervain

Beautiful Blue Vervain may help bring you love money and sleep!

Give Blue Vervain Seeds as a unique way to wish your friends and family blessings of Love, Healing, Protection, Peace, Purification, Chastity,Youth, Money and Sleep. Blue Vervain has also been used for thousands of years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments.

4. Thyme

Thyme is useful in your garden and your kitchen and may improve your Health and bring you blessings of Healing

Thyme was considered by the Greeks as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Thyme is believed to have been in the straw bed of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child. In the Middle Ages, ladies would embroider a sprig of Thyme into scarves they gave to their errant knights. At various periods in history, Thyme has been used to treat melancholy, reproductive system ailments, and to improve digestion. In the 18th century, it was recommended as a cure for a hangover.

Give Thyme as a gift of Courage, Strength, Health, Healing, Love, and Purification.

3. Echinacea

Echinacea is frequently used to shorten the common cold or flu

Echinacea is one of the most well known and widely used herbs in America today. Native American are thought to have used Echinacea as a “cure-all”.

Today, people use Echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, and fever. Many herbalists also recommend Echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections

Echinacea should be given to bring wishes of Health and Strength.

2. English Lavender

Beloved worldwide for its unique Fragrance and Calming remedies

Lavender is well known and loved for it’s beloved fragrance and calming effects. Ancient Greeks and Romans used Lavender to scent their bath water. The flowers are believed to contain a special magic- they bloom over an extended period of time and have the unique quality of retaining their scent even after drying.

Give Lavender seeds to those you wish to bless with Love, Protection, Happiness, Peace, Chastity, Purification, Sleep and Longevity.

1. Bells of Ireland

The "Luck of the Irish" is said to live in these pretty flowers!

Bells of Ireland flowers don’t actually grow in Ireland. This flower gets its name from the luscious green color of its leaves. The lovely white-veined green bells are not flowers at all. Rather they are calyxes, which clothe the small sweet white flowers found within.

Bells of Ireland symbolize good luck in all areas of life. The flowers are said to contain the “luck of the Irish” because of their green color and whimsical shape.

Give Bells of Ireland to bestow great Luck to your loved ones!

Tips on giving seeds as a gift:

There are endless creative ways to present your gift of seeds, here are a few suggestions:

• Fill a peat pot with seeds, decorate with bay leaves and attach a small note describing the seed and its meaning.
  

  A cute and creative way to present a gift of seeds

• Place seed packets between the pages of a new gardening book:
  Beginner’s Guide to Gardening by Reader Digest
  The Gardening Book (for kids) by Jane Bull
• Place packets of seeds inside a bouquet of flowers. This is romantic way to say…my love for you will continue to grow…
• Wrap the seeds with an article or section of the paper that pertains to their meaning or significance. Tie up with a pretty, bright piece of ribbon, string or raffia. Be sure to include an explanation of the seed and the articles significance!
• A can or jar can be used as a very creative gift wrap. Start with a clean jar or can. Paint the lids, add a “belly band”of printed paper, wrapping paper, bandana or piece of fabric around the midsection. Cover the lid with a piece of fabric or lace and tie on with ribbon or string. Fill the jar with your seed packets and add a decorative tag with a note!
  

  Even a very simply decorated jar makes a great way to turn seeds into a gift!

Happy giving and happy gardening!

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)

Indoor Herb Garden Seedlings growing in Dixie Cups

Since Biblical times Herbs have held a special place in the home garden. Various herbs have been said to have “magical powers” or to carry intense meaning and significance. Today, herbs are valued for their culinary as well as for their health benefits.

Starting and growing an indoor herb garden is a great project for new and experienced gardeners alike.

The joys of harvesting garden herbs and cooking with fresh basil, oregano and mint can be enjoyed year round right off your window sill!

• The first step in starting your indoor Herb garden is selecting which Herbs you want to grow. Some of the most popular choices are:

Basil- A warm clove-like flavor and fragrance. Basil works well in combination with tomatoes and enhances vegetables,fish, chicken and egg dishes.
Oregano- Peppery flavor enhances cheese and egg combinations,as well as marinated vegetables and shellfish. Widely used in Greek and Italian cuisine.
Mint- A fresh and clean flavor that enhances a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Mixes well with lentils, soups, fruit drinks and desserts.
Parsley- A clean taste that serves as a natural breath freshener. Often used as a garnish or chopped and added to sauces and salads.
Cilantro- Cilantro leaves have a strong smell described by some as “soapy”. The stems also have a strong odor and flavor. Pairs well with cuisines of the US Southwest, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and in parts of northern Africa. Used to “lift” other flavors; they enhance and promote other pronounced flavors. Coriander roots are used often used fresh as a base flavor for Asian soups.
Sage- A lemony, camphor-like and pleasantly bitter taste makes this a perfect choice for cooking with pork, duck, fish, poultry, eggplant, artichokes and potatoes.
Dill- The delicate, fern-like Dill leaves have an essence of tang. Dill is often used in dressings, salads and fresh fish.
Chives- A sweet, mild onion flavor that complements almost every recipe. Chives are a common addition to potatoes, cream soups and egg dishes.

• Now that you have selected which Herbs to plant, you need to decide on a location for your garden. Your Herbs will need 4-6 hours of good sunlight a day. If you don’t have a window ledge or counter space that can provide enough light, you can supplement with fluorescent lights. Your Herb Garden will also need adequate ventilation. However, try to avoid any direct drafts or great temperature fluctuations
• When selecting a container to grow your Herbs in, it is recommended that you choose one that is around 8 inches deep and 6-8 inches across. Dixie cups can be great starter containers if you plan to move your herbs to larger containers or outside in the Spring.
• Fill your containers with premium-quality, well draining potting soil mixed with coarse sand and mushroom compost.
• You are now ready to plant your Herbs! Follow the directions on your seed’s label but, generally seeds should be planted to a depth of three to four times their diameter.
• Once your Herbs are planted your job is to Feed, Water and Harvest.
• While your Herb Seedlings are still growing, feed them once a week with seaweed extract or fish emulsion.
• Your Herbs should be watered with a good soaking once or twice a week.

Indoor Herb Garden ready for Harvest

• Harvest! When your seedling have grown enough to enjoy, gently clip what you need- always be sure to leave plenty of vigorous growth on the plant so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your Indoor Garden Herbs!

“Why do two colors, put one next to the other sing? Can one really explain this? No. Just as one can never learn how to paint.”

-Pablo Picasso

In life, everything is a blank canvas, patiently waiting for someone, anyone, to pick up a brush and breathe life into it. For years, I have seen my muted brown, wooden, garden fence as a canvas screaming for help.

garden fence BEFORE kids painting party

Last Friday, I finally listened.

I find beauty in children, in color and in the chaos of mixing them. So, I decided to invite the neighborhood kids over for a new age, Tom Sawyer fence painting party.

I spent the day on a mission to find a variety of paints, preferably for free. As it turns out, Home Depot is the best place to do this. I was able to get a variety of unwanted or mis-tinted quart and gallon size paints for $1-$5 a piece. This jackpot combined with unwanted, old paint donations from friends and family resulted in a palette of more than ten colors including red, white, purple, green, gray and yellow.

At 5pm on Friday, moms and kids, dressed in their best old painting t-shirts,  found their way through our front door. We devoured chicken, salad, wine, milk and apples.

Home to the evil wasps that attacked my friend!

After an extreme bee attack, resulting in 12 bee stings, 1 spilled glass of milk, 6 terrified children, 1 empty box of benadryl, multiple empty wine glasses and 1 miserable, very uncomfortable but luckily not allergic mom, we decided to break open the paint.

The painting ground rules where simple:

• Take off your shoes (and your clothes if your mom approves and requests)
• One brush per color
• Don’t eat the paint
• Minimize paint on anything that is not the fence (ie rocks, trees and grass)

Kids, when presented with a group project involving anything potentially hazardous or uncontrollably chaotic, will work with super human speed. Within one minute of the first paint can being opened the 12 kids had organized and unananmoulsy agreed to a “splatter” technique. Within ten minutes, they had converted to a “paint a body part and rub the body part on the fence” technique. Within 30 minutes, it was clear that only one rule was going to be followed (don’t eat the paint). Within 45 minutes, they announced that they were done and ready to bathe.

On Saturday morning, I looked out the window and took stock of my new fence. Its fantastic and full of light and laughter.

I only need to put some finishing touches and I will say it’s “done” and ready to house our Heirloom Vegetable Seeds!

Thank you neighbors and friends for all of your energy and work.

Thank you Steph for the wine, chicken and for taking one (or 12) for the team. Thank you Persephone for the wine and salads. Thank you dad for the paint and brushes. Thank you Tom for killing the bees. Thank you God for garden hoses,  grass that doesn’t die from paint and parents willing to let their kids get messy.

current garden renovation costs: $70
Weed mowing $60
Paint for fence $10