BUILDING A ZODIAC GARDEN

After stopping at a second hand bookshop and finding a really beautiful book called "The Zodiac Garden" by Dorothy Hall, I brought it home and started reading.

I imagine a life where people are able to heal themselves and create serenity within their own spaces. Our life on this earth plane is short and so it should be lived harmoniously and peacefully as possible.

The concept of the zodiac garden, or planting in conjunction with the stars is a very old one.  Everything in the cosmos and nature is connected to the human soul and psyche. Why can't we build a better space for ourselves and others.

Each Zodiac sign has attributes and associations that can be incorporated into the garden to create a paradise that suits the creator's personality – from a Taurus who likes to spread a lot of interesting stuff in the garden to a Virgo that prefers neatness. Much like the Western adoption of Chinese "Feng Shui" to create harmony in personal spaces, the use of astrology is gaining popularity as a means to capture nature's innate, positive energy. To that end, the question looms: Will Zodiac Gardens be the next trend?

Here is more detail from mystic living. There is a lot of information out there about zodiac gardening. Have a go and create a new space of love and nurturing.

Aries (3/21-4/19)

Rams are intense, energetic Fire sign people who work hard and play hard. Ruled by fiery and impulsive Mars, many of their plants are either strongly scented or have thorns. Most Astrologers agree that their trademark flower is the Honeysuckle; a fragrant, innocent looking flower endowed with reaching, grasping vines-a perfect representation of the need Aries feels to grow and succeed. Other flowers for this sign are the Thistle, Tiger Lily, Peppermint and Geranium; thorn-bearing trees and shrubs also fall under the domain of Aries.

Taurus (4/20-5/20)

Bulls, are Earth sign individuals ruled by the lovely and gracious planet Venus.  These people have a vast assortment of plants and flowers in their domain. They share rulership by Venus with Libra, and both signs have romantic undertones in their associations. Because of this, Astrologers disagree on the specific flower for Taurus; both Roses and Lilies are most often associated with the Bull, though Poppies and Iris have also been accepted for this role.  Daisies, Violets, Columbine and Foxglove are also attributed to Taurus, as well as fruit-bearing trees such as Apple, Pear, Fig, and Crab Apple.

Gemini (5/21-6/20)

Gemini, the first of the Air signs is also known as The Twins, is ruled by Mercury, and yields highly intellectual and mentally busy people.  Often considered fickle and flighty, this seems to cause many of the flowers under their Astrology domain to carry-over into other Signs! The hallmark flower for Gemini is the Lily-of-the-Valley, with Lavender frequently associated with this sign as well. Ferns of many kinds are also under the domain of Gemini, including maidenhair and myrtle. Orchids, which are most often affiliated with Aquarius (another Air sign), are also related; as are Chrysanthemums, Lilacs, Azaleas and Nut-bearing trees.

Cancer (6/21-7/22)

Crabs, a Water sign, ruled by the inconstant Moon, are an emotional and sensual people who most often appreciate the beauty and find poetry in having flowers surrounding them in their homes and gardens. A Zodiac garden can be the perfect retreat where a Cancer can really relax and unwind! The perfect flower for Cancer is Bear's Breeches--also known as Acanthus--a tall, shiny-leafed plant. Morning Glories, Lilies, Water Lilies and Lotus Blossoms are all assigned to Crabs as well, and any white-petaled flowers can be associated with this Moon-ruled Zodiac sign. The more open and breathtakingly white the flower, the more closely it can be associated to Cancer and the Moon.

Leo (7/23-8/22)

The Lion, a fiery sign, is ruled by the Sun. Plants within the domain of this imperial sign are appropriately bright and sunny.  Leo is a passionate sign full of love, affection and pride. A gorgeous garden full of enviable, fickle flowers requiring constant care and attention is perfect for a Lion. Their hallmark flower is the Sunflower with its awesome height and bright yellow, wide sun-facing seed heads. Other flowers include the Marigold, Celandine, Passion Flower, Rosemary, Dahlia and Aster. Palm, Bay/Laurel, Olive and Citrus trees are also associated with this proud sign.

Virgo (8/23-9/22)

Virgo – the virgin Persephone, another Earth Sign, is also ruled by clever Mercury and has many popular and hearty flowers for their sign.  Virgos are associated with perfection-seeking, goal-oriented people with an eye for detail and an amazingly organized mind. Their dedication to knowing most of life’s answers has gained them the hallmark flower of Narcissus, named for the Greek God who gazed into a pond to fall in love with his own reflection. All brightly colored, small-blossomed flowers are under the domain of The Virgins, especially blue or yellow varieties. Chrysanthemum, Aster, and Morning Glories are all attributed to Virgo, as is the Cherry tree.

Libra (9/23-10/22)

The Scales, the Balance of Life, share rulership of Venus with Taurus, have a wide array of beautiful flowers assigned to their sign.  Romantic, beauty-oriented people who enjoy surrounding themselves with stunning blossoms for inspiration and appeal; a personalized garden is ideal for them. Most Astrologers agree thatlarge Roses are the hallmark flower of Libra; Hydrangeas are the second most popular symbolic flower for this balance-seeking, relationship-minded sign. Asters, Daisies, Mint and blue flowers are all attributed to Libra, as are the Ash, Poplar and Plum trees.

Scorpio (10/23-11/21)

Scorpions shared fiery and impulsive Mars as their ruler with Aries until the discovery of distant and frigid Pluto. But under their often intimidating exterior is most times the heart of a romantic, and these skittish individuals often respond to the beauty and serenity of flowers instinctively. Their particular blossom is the Rhododendron, although Chrysanthemum is often associated with them by Astrologers. Other flowers to plant in their garden include the Geranium, Holly, Black-eyed Susan, Gardenia, Anemone, Heather, and even the spiny Cactus. Their trees include the Yew, Blackthorn, and any "bushy" trees.

Sagittarius (11/22-12/21)

Archers are ruled by clever Jupiter, and is a Zodiac sign of intelligent and philosophical people who think for themselves and walk to the beat of their own drummer. Their special flower is the pink Carnation, though many Astrologers put any pink-blossomed flower under their domain. Dandelion, Peony, Thistle, Clematis, Moss, and Sage are theirs and trees associated with this Zodiac sign are Lime, Birch, Mulberry, Oak, Ash, and Chestnut in addition to Blackberry bushes. However, Sagittarius more than most Zodiac signs might benefit from merely choosing whatever flowers appeal to their independent whim at the time!

Capricorn (12/22-1/19)

Sea-Goats are ruled by strict Saturn and are creatures forever tied to the waters but still determined to scale the mountain of success. They are the final Earth sign, and their flower association is appropriately large just as with Taurus and Virgo. Proud people who enjoy being admired, they will find a personalized garden specific to them as a charming way to have a unique and envied lawn! Their hallmark is Ivy, the creeping and determined little vine, a perfect plant for them. Other flowers include Heartsease, Love-lies-bleeding, Pansy, Baby's Breath, Hemp and Knap Weed. With more trees than most Zodiac signs, Capricorn has Magnolia, Pine, Elm, Yew, Willow, Aspen, Poplar and Hemlock to enhance their property.

Aquarius (1/20-2/18)

The Water Bearer is ruled by the erratic and eccentric genius planet, Uranus. This final Air sign, associated with individuality and unique creative expression, is a perfect example of gardeners who enjoy a customized landscape. Their perfect flower is the Orchid, though some Astrologers argue that Solomon's Seal should be the primary blossom of Aquarius. While the Orchid is too exotic for most hardiness zones to be planted outside, their flower pantheon also includes Golden Rain, Goldenrod, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Bird of Paradise, Gladiolus, and Trillium. The trees for the Water Bearer include Kiwi, Elderberry, Olive and Alder.

Pisces (2/19-3/20)

The Fish, the twelfth and final sign of the Zodiac, is ruled by emotional and abstract Neptune. They are both thoughtful and clever, and often psychic or keenly intuitive. They appreciate the power in symbolism, and a personalized Astrology-based garden is a wonderful way for them to express that. Their flower is appropriately the Water Lily, along with Poppy, Rhubarb, Yarrow, Clematis, Wisteria, Lilac, and on occasion, Orchid. Trees growing near water are always under their domain, especially Willow and Fig.