Hollyhocks are one of our most ancient flower steeped in folklore. The Neanderthals were burying their dead along with Hollyhocks 50,000 years ago. In China, they were grown both ornamentally, as well as to eat. The Romans ate Hollyhocks as well, a practice which continues to this day. Fairies love Hollyhocks, hence seeing them in skirts […]
Dittany of Crete in the Witch’s Garden, June 10
Dittany of Crete grows only on steep, rocky mountainsides and gorges on the island of Crete, in the Aegean sea. It’s a symbol of love, thought to be an aphrodisiac as well. Only the bravest, or those most foolhardy in love dare to collect it. Locally those who go to the effort to find it […]
Fuchsia adds a psychedelic note to the Witch’s Garden
Fuchsia is sometimes called Bleeding Hearts in Ireland, and across Ireland, Scotland and Britain it’s tied to the fairies. Children suck the nectar from the blooms, and make fairy people by plucking the petals and stamens. Fuchsia is a relatively new introduction to gardens, and I have to admit that rather than folklore or occult […]
Rue in the Witch’s Garden, June 10, 2020
Ruta graveolens, or Rue as it’s commonly called has been used for medicine and magic for millennia. But one use not commonly known about is its use in fighting Bubonic plague. Rue’s naturally pungent scent drives away bug, flies and in particular fleas, all of which helped fuel the spread of the plague. Its efficacy […]
Deadly Nightshade loving a little extra care in the Witch’s Garden, June 8, 2020
As I wrote at the beginning May, I had a surprise return of last year’s Belladonna plant. I’ve had mixed luck with Deadly Nightshade. Some have lived two or three years, while about half never made it beyond the first. This was a rather puny plant last year so I was surprised to see it […]
Honeysuckle puts off a heady scent in the Witch’s Garden, June 1
The poetic scent of Honeysuckle has inspired the poets, as well as lovers for centuries. Shakespeare wrote “Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arms … So doth the woodbine the sweet honeysuckle Gently entwist.” For Chaucer, Honeysuckle was a poetic metaphor for faithfulness in love, steadfast. The Victorians didn’t allow Honeysuckle into […]
