by
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 summarize 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 should 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 should 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 and 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 colorful
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 colorful
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.
Whatever the nature of your garden, use plenty of mulch to keep
the moisture in the soil and the weed growth to a minimum.
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 killing particular animals that you don’t like such as spiders,
if you are so inclined. 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,
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 Crystal
Quartz crystal 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.
If fairies are not your thing, hang or place sculptures of other
powerful symbols around the area, 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 New Age Products and Gifts, sells a range of new age
products including: essential oils, incense, scented candles, incense
burners, candle holders, oil warmers, hanging fairies, windchimes
& bells.