Straight to Basic Herbal Stock table #1, click here
To
'Getting Started'
The process of growing, gathering and preparing plant materials amplifies the healing and magickal properties of herbs.  The presence of plants and the occupation of tending to them also enhances the environment of the witch.

As a witch, I accept that a plant is more than the sum of its chemical components.  I believe the effectiveness of any cure, treatment or enchantment that involves plant life depends in part on:

  • the spirit of the plant (deva)
  • the timing of the harvest (in both the practical and spiritual sense)
  • the conditions the plant experiences prior to harvest
  • the health of the soil that cradles the roots
  • the quality of water and nutrition the plant receives
  • the faith and intention of the witch
  • the traditional, historical significance of the herb

  •  
    I don't pamper my plants.  I work with them intensively in the spring when I'm aching for air and sunshine anyway.  I sometimes remember to water them in the summer.  If I'm feeling particularly conscientious, I cut back the perennials and remove the annuals in the autumn. 

    The Boy loves to pick them, the dog loves to tromp them and the hens love to scratch at their roots.  Some plants can't take this uneven care and abuse and don't make it.  I hope as I mature I will become more consistent.  In the meantime, I can offer these suggestions confidently.  If I can grow these, you can. 

    (Depending, of course, on your temperature zone...sun vs. shade situation...soil type...and....oh well, give them a try.)


     
    Begin with a Basic Witches' Garden
    obtain by:
    type
    light requirements
    adapt to indoors?
    sage
    Salvia officinalis
    nursery plants
    probably perennial
    sun
    maybe
    thyme
    Thymus vulgaris
    nursery plants
    perennial
    sun-med. shade
    yes
    rosemary
    Rosmarinus officinalis
    nursery plants
    meek
    perennial
    sun
    yes
    lavender
    Lavendula spp.
    nursery plant
    meek perennial
    sun
    yes
    (topiary)
    lemon balm
    Melissa officinalis
    nursery plants
    aggressive perennial
    sun-med. shade
    yes
    basil
    Ocimum basilicum
    seed
    tough annual
    sun-light shade
    yes
    dill
    Anethum graveolens
    seed
    only
    tough annual
    intense sun
    no
    mint
    Mentha spp.
    nursery plants
    aggressive perennial
    sun-med. shade
    yes
     oregano
    Origanum spp.
     seed
     tough annual
     sun-light shade
     yes
     parsley
    Petroselinum crispum
     nursery plants
     sturdy annual
     sun-med. shade
    yes
    For TeaNa, sweet garden dreams to you . . .And for Rosie--Trekker Extraordinaire
    To Witches' Garden Index

    Basic Herbal Stock Contents:
    To Getting Started
    To Magickal Properties
    To Medicinal Properties
    To Harvest & Preservation


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