How To Grow A Magical ‘Witch’ Garden

Gardens have always been a bit magical to me. When I was little, some of my most treasured moments were spent gardening with my Aunt Renee, my mom’s twin sister. She was an incredible gardener, spending hours upon hours perfecting the many plots she planted and tended at her home in Portland, Oregon. She had a traditional English garden in the front of her house, a vegetable garden in the back, and a wide variety of fruit trees, roses, flowers and blackberry bushes throughout her property. At my young age, I believed she was magical and had the special power to grow anything she planted. A part of me still believes this, and to this day, I have never seen Hydrangeas as vibrant and incredible as the ones she grew.

While gardening together, she would teach me about different plants, how to care for them, and most importantly about their individual “powers.” I became fascinated with learning what each plant could be used for, some for healing, some for keeping bugs away, and some for eating.

The fascination only grew when I discovered a book on her shelf about “Witch Gardens.” I felt the book confirmed what I already knew: Gardens are magical and my Aunt was a witch, the amazing kind, obviously! I already loved my aunt deeply, and thought this whole witch garden thing made her even cooler!

Unfortunately, my Auntie ‘Nee passed when I was 15. I am still in mourning over her loss, so gardening helps me feel connected to her. I am also blessed to be close to my mother’s other sister, Candy, who loves to garden as well. Recently Aunt Candy brought some old gardening books that were ‘Nee’s over for me to have, and in the collection was the Witch’s Garden book! In rediscovering it, I was able to learn more about the folklore and the variety of magical plants to include in a Witch’s Garden! For all of you out there hoping to tap into your inner Garden Witch, here is a bit of what I learned!

 

According to legend, there were ceremonies for harvesting plants with magical powers. Harvesters must never use iron tools, since the iron interferes with all of the beneficial elements of the plant. Plants should be harvested at night under the rising phase of the moon, or right before sunrise while the ground is still wet with magic moon dew. Most importantly, of course, the harvester should be nude in order to increase the likelihood of choosing herbs with the strongest therapeutic powers. So, the next time you see someone gardening naked at 4 am, don’t be afraid, its obviously just a garden witch!

Hawthorne trees are considered to be the most magical. It is believed that witches and sorcerers cast spells under their branches. In Ireland, the belief was that fairies lived in Hawthorne trees. If any harm was done to the trees, it was almost considered a death warrant to those who violated it!

A witch’s garden includes many herbs, which are common today:

Mint helps fight nausea when consumed in a tea, and can be used to fight evil and illness.

Rosemary is considered to have protective properties, warding off evil spirits and keeping harm from reaching your doorstep, plant it by your garden gate.

Lemon Balm is an anti-depressant, an aphrodisiac, and is considered magical for attracting bees.

Sage improves memory and fertility. It is believed to assist with immortality, and it is great when used as an anti-inflammatory. Sage was also thought to help fight the plague.

Other plants found in a Witch’s garden include:

Peonies – Their roots were worn around the necks of those with epilepsy and thought to help cure insanity. They are believed to protect against nightmares, the devil, and storms.

Mandrake- Considered to magically bringing happiness, prosperity, and fertility to a home if placed on a mantel. It is said to attract love, creativity, and psychic abilities. *PLEASE NOTE, Mandrake is poisonous! It is not for consumption and should not be grown anywhere near edible plants!*

Foxglove is said to be able to “raise the dead and heal the living.” Foxglove is believed to attract fairies and break curses. It is poisonous for humans, unless processed properly in a lab for heart and kidney medicine, so be warned!

Fennel- This popular plant for cooking is known to increase courage and confidence in those who eat it. It is considered to be purifying and offer protection.

Marigolds are planted for their ability to keep bugs out of gardens and off of tomatoes. However, according to legend, they can assist in favorable outcomes, such as in legal matters or business affairs. They assist in renewing personal energy and being a protective charm for homes. In Mexico, Marigolds are used for guiding spirits from the Land of the Dead to their alters on Dia de los Muertos.

Although the list of magical plants is endless, these are the main plants noted for a modern Witch Garden. I’d love to hear if any of you have come across magical plants in your personal gardening adventures!