I accomplished quite a bit in the yard today. I came in covered in soil, exhausted, but I feel amazing. There’s still much to be done, but we’re transforming the yard one plant at a time! My husband and I have a vision. It will take years, but it’s part of establishing a relationship with the land, and working with the local spirits to create a magical sanctuary.
I finally started a project I’ve been fantasizing about for years – a spiral herb garden! My dad helped me till the soil, but I spent a bulk of the afternoon and evening hauling rocks, building a mound, and starting a spiral. I need more stones, but the basic outline is there. Hoping to put some herbs in this weekend. This is woo for many people, but I actually used my pendulum to help me figure out where to start the spiral. When I got out my compass to figure out where the starting point was oriented, I confirmed it was exactly west. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2018The pollinator garden is taking shape. The border is temporary (made out of panels from an old planter that bit the dust after moving). Some native plants now have a home here – bee balm, purple and yellow cone flowers, and lavender hyssop. It’s a start! Dad tilled this as well, and we found some really interesting things… Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2018.We suspect the corner was an old trash heap. Our home was built in the late 1800s, after all. We’ve found various old things in the back – doll arms, parts of tools, broken jars, and these aged gardening shears. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2018.Around the side of the house, my dad found this old compact with his metal detector. He cleaned it up until it shines. Such a pretty piece! There’s the remains of an old powder puff inside, but it’s mostly decomposed. Not sure why it was buried where it was… I plan to do some spiritual investigating, for sure. I feel like I have the start of a museum. Photo by Grey Catsidhe, 2018In other fun news, I found wild violets and lily of the valley growing in the shaded part of the yard! I’m thrilled as these are plants I’ve wanted to work with for years! Finding these after doing so much work today felt like a positive omen from the local spirits.
Author M. A. Phillips 