Garden Magick - Transform a
Difficult Garden
into
a Sacred Resort for the
SoulBy: Carolyn
Donnelly
Are you establishing a new garden? Are you trying to bring a long neglected or difficult
garden back to life again? You can create a flourishing
garden anywhere. All you need is loads of desire, a little imagination and an open mind. In this article I briefly summarise
some techniques that I have successfully used for encouraging growth in difficult areas of the
garden. By adding a little
magick to some basic ecological
gardening principles your can create a
sensation.
There are a few essential
requirements for a healthy garden. These are: soil with the correct texture, nutrient
levels, and drainage;
water; sunlight and the appropriate plant choice for
your local environment. Garden bed preparation is of utmost importance and you
would be well advised to ensure that you have
provided your plants with the best physical environment
possible for
their successful growth. But getting the physical environment right is
just the
first step. To get the best out of your garden you
need
to provide a happy environment, full of positive energy and a little
magick.
Visualize
When you first start
planting out your garden it doesn’t look
much like it will
in two, three, five or ten years. Visualization is a crucial part
of
the garden design and planning process. It is also important
for
the growing process. To keep your garden
growing in the direction would like
it to grow, you need to visualize
regularly. This is just a matter of looking at the garden and imagining what it will look like when your
plants are fully grown. In doing so you are mentally sending your
plants messages of encouragement. Make a habit of visualizing your garden on a daily basis and
imagine it as it will look in, say, five years of constant and
healthy growth.
In the meantime … fake it
While you are in the early stages of garden
creation, try making
a ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ garden. This simply means creating an interim garden. You can do this by
placing pots filled with colourful
plants around the area. This will give you
some
instant gratification for your efforts. It will also give your new plants
some company. After all, plants are communal and are not
meant to grow alone.
You can quickly and easily create new pot plants by taking cuttings from other plants in your garden or your existing pot
plants. Put the cuttings in water until they sprout roots – some
won’t grow roots this way, it will be trial and error but many will grow roots
within
a week. Alternatively, buy some plants, preferably colourful flowering
plants. Of course, choose appropriate plants for the location of your garden -
shade loving plants for areas with little
sun, etc.
Place the pots around the area where you want the garden to be and in between the plants that you have recently
planted. If the garden is located in a
harsh landscape that is subject to extreme hot or
cold or strong winds,
you can place the pots so that young plants
are protected from harsh winds or direct sunlight. If your
environment is particularly harsh, you may consider adding small screens made from bamboo
or other natural materials to
protect young plants until they establish. In a dark or very shaded area,
ensure that your pots will not block any sunlight that your seedlings may be receiving.
Attract Native Animals
Life attracts life, so by
attracting as many animals to your garden as
possible you will
increase the life energy of your garden
which will help your plants to grow. Place rocks and
logs in
your garden to provide shelter and
homes for small lizards and insects. If you do not have any
tall trees, installing a pole that a bird can perch
atop (but a cat can’t climb)
is a great idea, as birds will contribute seed laden droppings that can bring additional plants to
your garden as well as additional nutrients. Show your delight when you notice a
new native occupant and let him know he is welcome.
Allow the
ecology of your garden to evolve along with the
growth and addition of your plants and other components. Resist
interfering
by removing or killing particular animals that you
don’t like such as spiders. Instead, become curious and learn
about
them. Talk to them. You will gain an entirely new appreciation
for
these animals and improve your karma at the same time.
Avoid Using Poisons
Garden shops are full of garden poisons. It’s big business. It
would be easy to assume that weed
killers, snail killers and the other exterminators are an essential
component to gardening. However, the reality is that they are really bad for your plants
and the
animals that add value to your garden. There is almost always a natural or
more gentle alternative to using poisons in the home garden. It is far
more effective
in
the long term to pull weeds out by hand and you
will save a lot of money.
Decorate and Communicate
Celebrate your garden area by decorating it with beautiful things, such as hanging pots, statues, bird baths,
sculptures and low lighting. These will add positive
energy and atmosphere. If possible, include an outdoor table and chairs
and spend some time there entertaining friends, laughing and having a good time, or just
be
there on your own relaxing and smiling upon your garden. Make sure you
remove or disguise any ugly or unsightly objects. It is
important to keep the area beautiful as you are more
likely
to spend time in, and give loving energy to, a garden that you
like the
look of and feel good about.
Take a leaf out of
Grandma’s Book
Did your Grandmother speak to her plants? Mine did, and that practice was
passed down to my mother and now I do it. It works! You
don’t need
to spend a lot of time in conversation with your flowers.
Simply walk around and admire your plants for a few minutes most days. In the difficult spots, stop and
talk to
those plants that are struggling. Express pleasure when you see
some growth. Smile at your plants and talk to them in a light manner as you are
attending to their needs.
Crystals for Positive Energy
Use crystals and semi precious stones to add some beneficial
energy
to the
area. Here are some ideas:
Agate
This
crystal is known for its ability to produce abundance
and
increase yields in crops. It can be
used
to enhance the health of your pot plants or
your garden plants.
Jade
Jade represents
life and growth and has been associated with the health of plants and the environment. Place jade
statues
in
the garden or use jade in a decoration that hangs above or
nearby your plants.
Moonstone
Moonstone helps to enhance the growth and health of
plants. Use it
in decoration in your garden or wear it when
attending to your plants.
Clear quartz
Quartz will amplify and enhance the qualities of any other stone and can be used to achieve any goal
of pure
intention. Use it alongside the other stones or alone in your garden to enhance plant growth. I hang
crystals over pot plants to improve their performance.
These are examples of stones
and crystals that have specific qualities that can assist plant recovery and
growth.
However, there are many crystals and
stones that have healing and
nurturing properties so it may
pay
to experiment. Crystals can be placed in pots, used as a display on a
table, in
a bird bath or water feature. They are particularly beautiful
when
they form part of a hanging
decoration.
Add a Little Fairy Magick
Fairies have long been associated with gardens. Flower fairies were
thought
to live in the flowers of plants. They looked after the plant by ensuring it had everything it needed. You can add your own
bit of fairy magick to your garden by
placing a hanging fairy near the garden that you
want
to prosper from this energy.
You can
also
increase the positive energy of your
garden area by hanging or placing sculptures of powerful symbols
such as
the Sun, for positive energy, and the Moon, for receptivity and
supernatural powers. Both of these symbols together represent balance and
harmony.
There are many other symbols of good fortune such as
Buddha that will enhance the energy and the feel of your garden. These symbols and bearers of good
energy also look great.
Feng Shui Garden
Designing your garden for good Feng
Shui
The Feng Shui garden is
designed
to allow Chi to flow. To create good Feng Shui,
design your garden with plenty of curves. If you have a garden with very
straight edges, add features that give the impression of curves. You can
achieve this by
the way you place your garden features and how you locate your plants.
Choose rounded pots and curvy furniture to increase the positive Feng Shui in your
garden.
Windchime Magick
Another way to increase Chi in your garden is by hanging a windchime or a windchime bell. Windchimes aid in the flow of Chi and add an
additional element to your garden through
sound. The
right windchime can create a sensation of
peace through its harmonic tunes. It is worthwhile selecting a well made bell or windchime that you enjoy listening to as this will make a valuable
addition
to the
atmosphere of your home and give you joy every time the breeze blows.
Water Features
A water feature is also extremely
beneficial
in
the creation of a positive Feng Shui garden. The water must be flowing, however, so that Chi
can flow and so that it does not become stagnant. The addition of fish to
your water feature will provide more positive energy due to the additional life. Be
sure
to find fish that do not eat the
spawn of local frogs. Gold fish, which originated in China, have become an environmental
nuisance
in some countries and they will eat frogspawn. For frog
friendly fish, check with your Government Fisheries Department.
Frog Magick
Frogs
represent good luck in many cultures around the
world. The
first frogs hopped this earth alongside the Dinosaurs. They are wise beings, worthy of respect
and
they will bring good energy to
your garden. Be sure to locate any pond a good
distance from bedroom windows, however, as frogs can croak
up a storm at night.
Scent
A wonderful way for a garden to enrich your life
is through scent. You can create a special atmosphere by planting the shrubs, trees and
flowers in
your garden that provide certain scents that enhance particular
moods. Add some
instant
inspiration by filling your pots with lavender,
jasmine, geranium, lemongrass or
whatever your nose desires.
Burn incenses
outside or light a scented candle at night while sitting in the garden. Select the scent that will be most
beneficial for your garden’s growth. Try gardenia or lavender for love and
healing, ginger for success, patchouli or
rosemary for love and growth, the invigorating benefits of sweet orange or
frankincense and myrrh for healing and growth.
A closing
thought ..
Your garden reflects the relationship it shares with you
and the
other inhabitants of your home. By
increasing the
positive loving energy in your garden you will create a
place for growth and harmony, a place where life will thrive. In return you will receive much
enjoyment. By combining good ecological concepts with a
little magick you can turn a difficult garden into a sacred resort for the
soul.
About the Author: Carolyn is an
ecologist, avid gardener and supporter of new age spirituality. Her website,
Placid Moon www.placidmoon.com, features a range of products that can assist
you in
building
your ‘sacred resort for the soul’, such as essential
oils,
incense, scented candles, incense burners,
candle holders, oil warmers,
crystals, hanging
sculptures, windchimes
and bells.
Difficult Garden
into
a Sacred Resort for the
SoulBy: Carolyn
Donnelly
Are you establishing a new garden? Are you trying to bring a long neglected or difficult
garden back to life again? You can create a flourishing
garden anywhere. All you need is loads of desire, a little imagination and an open mind. In this article I briefly summarise
some techniques that I have successfully used for encouraging growth in difficult areas of the
garden. By adding a little
magick to some basic ecological
gardening principles your can create a
sensation.
There are a few essential
requirements for a healthy garden. These are: soil with the correct texture, nutrient
levels, and drainage;
water; sunlight and the appropriate plant choice for
your local environment. Garden bed preparation is of utmost importance and you
would be well advised to ensure that you have
provided your plants with the best physical environment
possible for
their successful growth. But getting the physical environment right is
just the
first step. To get the best out of your garden you
need
to provide a happy environment, full of positive energy and a little
magick.
Visualize
When you first start
planting out your garden it doesn’t look
much like it will
in two, three, five or ten years. Visualization is a crucial part
of
the garden design and planning process. It is also important
for
the growing process. To keep your garden
growing in the direction would like
it to grow, you need to visualize
regularly. This is just a matter of looking at the garden and imagining what it will look like when your
plants are fully grown. In doing so you are mentally sending your
plants messages of encouragement. Make a habit of visualizing your garden on a daily basis and
imagine it as it will look in, say, five years of constant and
healthy growth.
In the meantime … fake it
While you are in the early stages of garden
creation, try making
a ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ garden. This simply means creating an interim garden. You can do this by
placing pots filled with colourful
plants around the area. This will give you
some
instant gratification for your efforts. It will also give your new plants
some company. After all, plants are communal and are not
meant to grow alone.
You can quickly and easily create new pot plants by taking cuttings from other plants in your garden or your existing pot
plants. Put the cuttings in water until they sprout roots – some
won’t grow roots this way, it will be trial and error but many will grow roots
within
a week. Alternatively, buy some plants, preferably colourful flowering
plants. Of course, choose appropriate plants for the location of your garden -
shade loving plants for areas with little
sun, etc.
Place the pots around the area where you want the garden to be and in between the plants that you have recently
planted. If the garden is located in a
harsh landscape that is subject to extreme hot or
cold or strong winds,
you can place the pots so that young plants
are protected from harsh winds or direct sunlight. If your
environment is particularly harsh, you may consider adding small screens made from bamboo
or other natural materials to
protect young plants until they establish. In a dark or very shaded area,
ensure that your pots will not block any sunlight that your seedlings may be receiving.
Attract Native Animals
Life attracts life, so by
attracting as many animals to your garden as
possible you will
increase the life energy of your garden
which will help your plants to grow. Place rocks and
logs in
your garden to provide shelter and
homes for small lizards and insects. If you do not have any
tall trees, installing a pole that a bird can perch
atop (but a cat can’t climb)
is a great idea, as birds will contribute seed laden droppings that can bring additional plants to
your garden as well as additional nutrients. Show your delight when you notice a
new native occupant and let him know he is welcome.
Allow the
ecology of your garden to evolve along with the
growth and addition of your plants and other components. Resist
interfering
by removing or killing particular animals that you
don’t like such as spiders. Instead, become curious and learn
about
them. Talk to them. You will gain an entirely new appreciation
for
these animals and improve your karma at the same time.
Avoid Using Poisons
Garden shops are full of garden poisons. It’s big business. It
would be easy to assume that weed
killers, snail killers and the other exterminators are an essential
component to gardening. However, the reality is that they are really bad for your plants
and the
animals that add value to your garden. There is almost always a natural or
more gentle alternative to using poisons in the home garden. It is far
more effective
in
the long term to pull weeds out by hand and you
will save a lot of money.
Decorate and Communicate
Celebrate your garden area by decorating it with beautiful things, such as hanging pots, statues, bird baths,
sculptures and low lighting. These will add positive
energy and atmosphere. If possible, include an outdoor table and chairs
and spend some time there entertaining friends, laughing and having a good time, or just
be
there on your own relaxing and smiling upon your garden. Make sure you
remove or disguise any ugly or unsightly objects. It is
important to keep the area beautiful as you are more
likely
to spend time in, and give loving energy to, a garden that you
like the
look of and feel good about.
Take a leaf out of
Grandma’s Book
Did your Grandmother speak to her plants? Mine did, and that practice was
passed down to my mother and now I do it. It works! You
don’t need
to spend a lot of time in conversation with your flowers.
Simply walk around and admire your plants for a few minutes most days. In the difficult spots, stop and
talk to
those plants that are struggling. Express pleasure when you see
some growth. Smile at your plants and talk to them in a light manner as you are
attending to their needs.
Crystals for Positive Energy
Use crystals and semi precious stones to add some beneficial
energy
to the
area. Here are some ideas:
Agate
This
crystal is known for its ability to produce abundance
and
increase yields in crops. It can be
used
to enhance the health of your pot plants or
your garden plants.
Jade
Jade represents
life and growth and has been associated with the health of plants and the environment. Place jade
statues
in
the garden or use jade in a decoration that hangs above or
nearby your plants.
Moonstone
Moonstone helps to enhance the growth and health of
plants. Use it
in decoration in your garden or wear it when
attending to your plants.
Clear quartz
Quartz will amplify and enhance the qualities of any other stone and can be used to achieve any goal
of pure
intention. Use it alongside the other stones or alone in your garden to enhance plant growth. I hang
crystals over pot plants to improve their performance.
These are examples of stones
and crystals that have specific qualities that can assist plant recovery and
growth.
However, there are many crystals and
stones that have healing and
nurturing properties so it may
pay
to experiment. Crystals can be placed in pots, used as a display on a
table, in
a bird bath or water feature. They are particularly beautiful
when
they form part of a hanging
decoration.
Add a Little Fairy Magick
Fairies have long been associated with gardens. Flower fairies were
thought
to live in the flowers of plants. They looked after the plant by ensuring it had everything it needed. You can add your own
bit of fairy magick to your garden by
placing a hanging fairy near the garden that you
want
to prosper from this energy.
You can
also
increase the positive energy of your
garden area by hanging or placing sculptures of powerful symbols
such as
the Sun, for positive energy, and the Moon, for receptivity and
supernatural powers. Both of these symbols together represent balance and
harmony.
There are many other symbols of good fortune such as
Buddha that will enhance the energy and the feel of your garden. These symbols and bearers of good
energy also look great.
Feng Shui Garden
Designing your garden for good Feng
Shui
The Feng Shui garden is
designed
to allow Chi to flow. To create good Feng Shui,
design your garden with plenty of curves. If you have a garden with very
straight edges, add features that give the impression of curves. You can
achieve this by
the way you place your garden features and how you locate your plants.
Choose rounded pots and curvy furniture to increase the positive Feng Shui in your
garden.
Windchime Magick
Another way to increase Chi in your garden is by hanging a windchime or a windchime bell. Windchimes aid in the flow of Chi and add an
additional element to your garden through
sound. The
right windchime can create a sensation of
peace through its harmonic tunes. It is worthwhile selecting a well made bell or windchime that you enjoy listening to as this will make a valuable
addition
to the
atmosphere of your home and give you joy every time the breeze blows.
Water Features
A water feature is also extremely
beneficial
in
the creation of a positive Feng Shui garden. The water must be flowing, however, so that Chi
can flow and so that it does not become stagnant. The addition of fish to
your water feature will provide more positive energy due to the additional life. Be
sure
to find fish that do not eat the
spawn of local frogs. Gold fish, which originated in China, have become an environmental
nuisance
in some countries and they will eat frogspawn. For frog
friendly fish, check with your Government Fisheries Department.
Frog Magick
Frogs
represent good luck in many cultures around the
world. The
first frogs hopped this earth alongside the Dinosaurs. They are wise beings, worthy of respect
and
they will bring good energy to
your garden. Be sure to locate any pond a good
distance from bedroom windows, however, as frogs can croak
up a storm at night.
Scent
A wonderful way for a garden to enrich your life
is through scent. You can create a special atmosphere by planting the shrubs, trees and
flowers in
your garden that provide certain scents that enhance particular
moods. Add some
instant
inspiration by filling your pots with lavender,
jasmine, geranium, lemongrass or
whatever your nose desires.
Burn incenses
outside or light a scented candle at night while sitting in the garden. Select the scent that will be most
beneficial for your garden’s growth. Try gardenia or lavender for love and
healing, ginger for success, patchouli or
rosemary for love and growth, the invigorating benefits of sweet orange or
frankincense and myrrh for healing and growth.
A closing
thought ..
Your garden reflects the relationship it shares with you
and the
other inhabitants of your home. By
increasing the
positive loving energy in your garden you will create a
place for growth and harmony, a place where life will thrive. In return you will receive much
enjoyment. By combining good ecological concepts with a
little magick you can turn a difficult garden into a sacred resort for the
soul.
About the Author: Carolyn is an
ecologist, avid gardener and supporter of new age spirituality. Her website,
Placid Moon www.placidmoon.com, features a range of products that can assist
you in
building
your ‘sacred resort for the soul’, such as essential
oils,
incense, scented candles, incense burners,
candle holders, oil warmers,
crystals, hanging
sculptures, windchimes
and bells.