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!

Once upon a time in Ireland sometime around 1750…

An Irish folk legend as retold by Jessica B

As a child, I never had many friends. One time, a boy named Patrick started to be my friend. But, when I stole his homework and demanded a weeks worth of lunch money for it’s return, our friendship abruptly ended.

I never understood or embraced the ideas of truth, honesty or love. It seemed to me they all caused me more work then if I simply rejected them all. Why would I learn to bake a pie, grow vegetables or buy a chicken when I could just steal them from someone who already had?

I glided through life, taking what I needed.

I spent my Sundays basking in the quiet while the rest of Ireland went off to church.

I always knew of God and the Devil. Throughout my life, I spoke with the Devil on numerous occasions. I never remember speaking with God though. I always assumed we could talk later, when my fun was good and done.

The first time I met the Devil, it was Halloween night. I was drunk. Well, I was always drunk but, on this particular occasion, I happened to be drunk and sitting on a stool next to the Devil.

He was drunk too.

I don’t know much about the Devil’s daily life but, by the looks of things, this wasn’t his first time in a pub.

I realized, even in the midst of my libation, there this was no coincidence that the Devil was seated next to me. I knew I needed a plan if I was to see November’s morning.

And so, being the fantastic trickster that I am, I came up with a plan.

“Devil, sir”, I said,
“I know you are here for my soul and I will gladly give it to you if you would please just help me out with one last drink.”

Being a man of a similar disposition to myself, The Devil laughed and quickly agreed. He transformed himself into the silver coin I needed for my “last drink”.

Now, at this point, you’ll have to agree that I am a very smart man.

I quickly put the Devil into my coin purse which had a very large cross embroidered on it.
I may not be a man of God but, I certainly know how to use his powers to benefit me in my time of need!

The Devil’s powers of transformation were worthless in the face of the cross.

So, we began bartering for my soul and his transformation.

I demanded the Devil promise to leave my soul alone for 10 years in exchange for his release.He offered five years. We agreed on seven and, I set him free.

I spent those next seven years reveling in my own glory. Bouncing from town to town, taking whatever I needed form whoever had it.

Lying, Cheating, Stealing. After all, what did I have to fear?

On the first day of the eighth year, I assumed the Devil had forgotten me and I was off to celebrate.

As I crossed the street I saw, standing before me, the infinitely recognizable dark form.
“Hello again, Devil,” I said.
“Hello Jack,” said the Devil. “I am here to collect your soul.”

I was not yet ready to go so, pretending to comply, I asked the Devil if he would please first just climb an apple tree and get me an apple for the journey.

The Devil thought about this and decided he could see no trickery in the plan and he had nothing to loose. So, he climbed the tree.

As he was plucking my apple, I quickly pulled out my knife and carved a cross into the tree’s trunk.

The Devil was unable to come down and was, again, forced to come to an agreement with me.

This time, I demanded the Devil promise to never, ever, in all of eternity, take my soul. He agreed.

I removed the cross from the bark and the Devil was again free.

Some number of years later, as I was stealing turnips from my cousins garden, I collapsed.

Dead. No Devil. No warning. I just died.

I stood before St. Peter and the gates to heaven, laughing. Laughing to myself at how I had outsmarted the rules of heaven and hell.

Peter closed the gates.
“You are not welcome here,” he said.
And, he sent me to Hell

The devil stood before the gates to Hell.
“Hello Jack,” he said.
“I see the world is finally free of miserable you.”

The Devil, remembering his promise, closed the gates.

When I asked him where I was to go, he simply said
“back to where you came from.”

I turned and saw the way back was dark and windy. I begged the Devil to give me something to light my way.

As he turned to walk away, he tossed a burning lump of coal over the gate.

I took my stolen turnip, placed the coal in it, and used it as a lantern to light the darkness.

I am now doomed, for all of eternity, to wander the darkness, alone, with my lantern.

I am not welcome by anyone. I have no friends, no family, no comfort. Only my coal and my stolen turnip.

My name and my lantern have become synonymous with a damned soul.

My story prompted the people of Ireland to begin carving faces in turnips, potatoes, rutabagas or beets in order to chase me and other ghosts away.

When the Irish came to America, they brought with them the “Jack-O-Lantern” custom and beliefs. As turnips were not as readily available in America, they began using Pumpkins instead.

And, so it is.
I will wander the earth, welcomed by no one. You will continue to carve your Jack-O-Lanterns as a reminder to me that my lying, cheating and stealing got me nowhere but right back where I came from.

Alone and damned.

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)

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!