Moon Phase Gardening

Posted on March 9, 2010September 20, 2019 by Stephanie Stewart

edhumegardenalmanac2 — Ed Hume 2010 Garden Almanac

Feng Shui and gardening go hand in hand. Those who practice Feng Shui can learn most of the core concepts simply through the study of nature and its patterns. Some examples of these patterns include the seasons, movements of the planets, source and course of water, and phases of the moon. Through understanding the patterns of nature you can begin to see the complex interrelationships which to the uneducated observer can appear to be magical manifestations of an unknown catalyst. One gardener may perform the same actions as another and yet they do not achieve the same results – only one has what we call a “green thumb”. Why?

The more we can perceive the patterns and identify the relationships, the more we can influence the outcome of our endeavors. Suddenly everything is easier because we understand how to act at the proper time, and to understand when we are trying to work against the resistance of nature. The objective is the same for gardeners and Feng Shui practitioners: to observe and understand the patterns of nature and act in a way that maximizes our achievements rather than our endeavors.

The phases of the moon have a physical and measurable effect on the earth. One of the most obvious manifestations of the influence of the moon would be the tides. The gravitational pull of the moon is the strongest at the new moon and the full moon, which is when we see the highest tides. The moon has the same effect on the moisture in the ground and water that is under the ground. During the new moon, moisture is pulled up into the soil which causes seeds to swell and sprout more vigorously. The second quarter of the moon is generally a good time to plant since this phase will support vigorous leaf growth. During the full moon the moisture content in the ground is the highest and the seeds will absorb it the most. The third quarter (after the full moon) is a good time for root growth, and planting those root vegetables as the moon wanes and the moisture can sink back down. In the fourth quarter the gravitational pull is much less which means less vigorous growth. The fourth phase is the right time to mow your lawn, or pull weeds. If you do these chores in the fourth phase you will not have to repeat them as often.

Can you still have a lovely, productive, lush and blooming garden if you don’t let the phases of the moon guide your tasks? Sure, but if you want to be known for having a green thumb you should really try this method. And who wouldn’t want to do less weeding! My favorite guide for keeping track of all this stuff is Ed Hume’s Gardening Almanac. It is a short, straightforward list of tasks and the optimal dates for performing them. All that for only $1.79!

Feng Shui for Gardeners 2010

Posted on January 23, 2010September 20, 2019 by Stephanie Stewart

On February 4th, 2010 we will begin the Year of the Metal Tiger. This means that in Chinese Astrology the Year God (or Tai Sui) will be the Tiger. Those born in the year of the Tiger should be cautious as they will be receiving the biggest and strongest portion of the energy of the year. Imagine all of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac seated around a big round table for a feast (just like a Chinese Feng Shui Compass). The Tiger will get the first, biggest serving of everything that there is to offer this year. So if this is year of peace, the Tiger will have the first, biggest serving of peace. If it is a year of conflict, the Tiger will have the first, biggest serving of conflict. The animal directly opposite the Tiger at the table (or on the compass) is called the Sui Po. For 2010 the Sui Po is the Monkey. Because the Monkey is opposite the Tai Sui he is in a dangerous position. You don’t want to be in opposition to the God who is in charge for the year. Other compass areas are affected by the Tai Sui as well. For 2010 those areas cover most of the north (including NW and NE) and the southwest.

So why should you care? If you want to practice Feng Shui you will avoid disturbing the north and southwest areas of your lot. If you are a gardener this is not the year for you to put that irrigation system in the southwest of the lot. Keep it clean, weeded, and quiet but no digging. Bad luck will follow if you disturb those sleeping gods. They say that those who do the actual work will get the worst effect so if you hire someone else to do the work it will affect them and you, too.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Feng shui so much is that there are almost always common sense reasons to follow the recommendations. What I mean is we can understand the premises of astrology, physics or biology behind the Feng Shui advice, but there is almost always a more tangible and mundane aspect that applies as well. It’s really not a bad idea to let some of the areas of your garden “rest” each year. You can only do so much work anyhow.

Camellia Sasanqua “Yuletide”

Posted on January 1, 2010September 20, 2019 by Stephanie Stewart

When I first moved to the PNW I thought of camellias as plants for old ladies’ gardens. To me the camellias were background for the other more important and flashier plants. This is my 20th winter in the PNW and I have learned my lesson. Winter blooming plants and evergreens are some of the most important plants in my garden as far as I am concerned. Seeing the cheery red and yellow blooms of Camellia sasanqua “Yuletide” this December as I leave and return to my house has lifted my spirits much more than I would have thought possible.

One of the core theories of Feng Shui, no matter what method you practice, is that the small things in your life add up to make it what it is today. Even things that you might not think of as being important have an effect on you. The accumulation of these small things can sneak up on you, slowly and subtly changing your qi before you even realize it. Feng Shui practitioners work to help you change your environment so that the combined effect of the small things makes you feel optimistic, strong and vibrant. One of my Feng Shui teachers once told me “If you can’t figure out any way to cure the problem, just make it as beautiful as possible”. And she was right, it does have an effect, even if it’s not a true Feng Shui adjustment.

If you are feeling like your energy is lower than usual, take a good look at the rooms and places where you spend the most time. Is there enough light? Is there enough color and warmth? Do you have any live plants or pets? All of these small things will add up over time to influence you, so take some time in this New Year to make sure they are things that lift your spirits. Even if all you do is clean thoroughly and get rid of some old things you don’t use or want any more I guarantee it will make a difference.