To celebrate the Summer Solstice as spring transitions into full blown summer, I want to give a brief shout out to gardeners, horticulturists and farmers, all those who tend the land as well as the pollinators and spiritual beings they befriend. I'm finding there's more to this process of planting and growing that goes beyond regular watering, weeding and fertilizing. It's actually quite a team effort!
I know everyone is not jazzed about digging their fingers into the dirt, but we all have at times enjoyed the visual beauty of a wildflower meadow, the special taste of home-grown veggies or just the calming vibes of a well-tended landscape. Here are a few thoughts on how thinking outside of the (garden) box can make a difference in how you view the natural world.
We benefit from either cultivating or experiencing (or both) plant energy regardless of what part of the world you live in. I now realize that plants have spirits, and it’s wise to approach them with appreciation and the sincerest of intentions. This season, I hope that honoring and working with these "devas" (as they are called in some parts of the world) will yield beauty, a bountiful harvest, and a greater sense of well being. Speaking just for myself, I get a real lift out of planting seeds and watching them sprout and grow, no matter how many times I've done this.
I’m especially partial to pumpkins and other squash plants because, as vines, their growing process is ostentatious and lively. Aside from the awesome yellow flowers that keep the bees happy, they have huge leaves and delicate but relentless tendrils that make their way by firmly grasping onto and wrapping around whatever may be in their path. Acknowledging the spiritual dimension of these amazing plants prompted me to explore plant spirit healing some months ago. https://www.plantmedicineandmagic.com/post/pumpkin-pals
So far, this year's pumpkin newcomers are looking healthy and promising:
The seeds of those in the squash family are hardy and quick to sprout, but I must admit to having the most success with other plants by starting them with small seedlings purchased from the local nursery or farmer's market. Yet every gardening season, I make it a point to experiment with sowing seeds directly into the soil and anticipating the results.
I have a thing about Nasturtiums. Every year, I soak them overnight (as directed on the packets) and then seed them around borders or wherever there's an open patch of soil. Over the past few summers they haven't flowered which has been a little disappointing. All the same, I've enjoyed just watching the healthy sprouts evolving into lily pad-like leaves. We'll see if the spirits of these lovely botanicals are pleased with my efforts this time around and will reward me with some colorful blooms as well.
This year's direct seeding also includes veggies like baby bok choy. Here's what several weeks of growth looks like:
For now, it's time for the necessary but painful process of thinning out the seedlings. I've never been comfortable with this part, but I feel better about doing it with the permission and guidance of the plant spirits who oversee their growth and have only their best interests in mind. The solstice seems like the perfect time to collaborate with these protective spirits.
I don't claim to be an expert, and my gardening results are not always impressive. But an awareness of what happens on other levels is something new and exciting to me. If you're someone who is not into tending the soil, that’s certainly okay. Maybe just take a moment to make this year's solstice a time when you consider other possibilities. Then offer some quiet appreciation for those of this and other realms who make it their mission to keep both tiny and expansive patches of our earth so alive and beautiful.
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
Comments