I have lived in homes where my only gardening options were
containers on a deck or planters on the front stoop. This taught me you can do
a lot with seed packets, pots and an open mind. When selecting space for your
kitchen witchery garden you can have something as simple as a set of
containers; this can be planned as with any other garden space. If you are
lucky to have a backyard or land, I suggest you begin the designing process by
incorporating all the plants you know you want to use in your magical workings,
your cookery, and always allow yourself to experiment. Trying new veggies or
seeds that are new to you can be enormously rewarding. I agree with Londoner
Alys Fowler, who is one of England’s top gardeners. She says there is no
earthly reason why roses and cabbages can’t go side by side and veggies can
nicely nestle in among florals. Once you have tried a few such painterly
plantings, you can give yourself a free hand in your creative approach. 
Lawns are very high
maintenance and unless constantly mowed and manicured, can greatly reduce your
curb appeal. Besides wasting water and taking up a lot of time, grass in your
yard doesn’t offer you anything back for all the demands on your time and
pocketbook. They also tempt many lawn keepers to use chemicals which are bad
for all of us, especially the birds and the bees. Get creative and go at least
a little wild. My next door neighbor overturned and tilled their front lawn and
planted potatoes, beets, asparagus and squash. They love going into the front yard
and harvesting fresh veggies for their daily meals. The squash and pumpkins
actually have beautiful foliage and the flowers are stunning and edible, as
well. Last year, one of their crops grew to “Giant Pumpkin” size and it became
the talk of the neighborhood as we watched it grow and grow. Needless to say,
they had the best jack-o-lantern on the block and some fantastic pies to boot.
I am heartened to see the new gardening philosophy of growing veggies, roots
stocks, herbs and berries right beside the roses and lilies. It is gorgeous and
supports the bee populations to whom we owe so much.
Gardening, even it is a
hanging basket of cherry tomatoes and a windowsill filled with herb pots, is
a much more human way to live, grounded in nature and connected to Mother Earth
who provides all. It will definitely add pleasure to your life and a sense of
calm. When I feel stressed, I go out back and do some weeding. It is my therapy
and I can immediately see the profit of my labors. The bigger my compost piles grows
with weeds, the happier I am. I intend the same for you. With your
garden, you are quite literally growing a bounty of blessings.
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