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Herbs are of a special importance in our lives, they flavour our foods, they fill the air with wonderful aromas and for most people that's as far as it will go. But we see their use as more. Yes, I would be lost in the kitchen without my favourite herbs, but the energies that they hold help create dishes that go beyond just the filling of the belly. Again, the scense of smell. Our appetites are aroused first by smells. Our taste buds would be useless and unable to taste the foods before us without the use of smell. Something sensual about food too. When prepared correctly it creates a magickal spell of it's own, served by candlelight along with fresh flowers, wine, music, a spell has been caste. Yes, how many times has this been done unknowingly by the multitudes. So when I say done correctly, I mean it can have far reaching magickal outcomes. The energies of herbs can be found in other places, so I will not at this time discuss their properties here. But the cultivation of them I will. The energy that you use in growing them will directly enhance their magickal properties and strengths. From herbal teas, baking and sachets, all can be improved by your own cultivation of them. The basics of growing our simple. The correct ways are more intuitive and precise. Yes, the moon and its' phases can and do play apart in the proper times for planting and harvesting. The best resource(all purpose) is the Farmers Almanac. This is a general reference, it lists many useful items and is just good reading. It's basic structure on agriculture comes from pagan thought and centuries of growing by the cycles. Not all plants enjoy the same soils, moisture, temp or conditions. Rosemary enjoys a drier courser soil. She enjoys heat but will tolerate cold winters (check the varitey before planting) and can grow to a very large size. Space is of consideration, and this can lead us to the choices in varities that we choose. There are numerous choices among species. Starting with your local nursery is the easiest way. Buying started plants to get the feel is best. You can get into exotic strains, and you might want to track down groups like "Seed Savers", "Heirloom Seeds". These groups devote their time to tracking down and preserving rare and almost extinct varieties of plants. Remember Keep It Simple to start with. This will keep you from becoming dissappointed if your results don't flourish in the beginning and will also give you time to learn and discover directions to follow. Growing in the ground is best, but you knew that didn't you. The next best is earthen containers (I like the Italian ones, personal pref, energies and all), wood works well too. I like to have some in containers that can be brought in during the winter, and allow me to have fresh access in thos cold dark days. If you have a greenhouse, well I won't praise them here, cause you can imagine how nice. I do enjoy talking to my plants and garden in general. I love to add my energy to theirs and benefits all. To wonder the garden paths in early spring, the rain stopped in the early hours of dawn and the sun rises above the trees. The quietness of the earth, the smells that come to me, the energies that arise to fill my soul, my barefeet touching the soil, the miracle of rebirth as all becomes new again.
Harvesting | Drying | Recipes 
