not a green thumb....

[CloeOtter]

Greetings sisters & brothers,
I do not have a green thomb so to speak...when I was little my mom, little sis, and I would grow gardens or just poted plants of different kinds (we moved alot) but my mom & sis were much better about it than me. If I was helping them all was well, but on my own well I don't want to go there... I was always much better with animals, they love me and I feel the same for them and they let you know very clearly what they need. Back to the plants.

The thing is even thoe I was not very good at keeping plants alive, I could start them growing and help out, I love to sketch both plants and animals. Plants feel really good and grounding to be around. For along time now I have not attempted to grow any plants, do to feeling really bad if they died because of me... almost to the piont of depression... my compromise is that I use what I find that has just fallen away from the plant or releases easily from the plant/herbs that I find in natural areas, friends gardens, etc. As I pick up or pick from the plant I thank them &/or tell it why I need it parts, most of time I leave something in return.

I wanted to share this ... I also am hoping for some help, ides, and support...

I have been feeling lately that I would like to try to grow a catnip and maybe two other herbs/plants. The Catnip is my phocus for now... It been so long that I am not sure where to start, plus I feel that this is some test from the frearie that I am searius or something. I have made two altars one for Lady Bast & a Nature/Faerie altar. The Faerie alter is my main one... anyway sents they have had their oun altar things have been happening. 8O So thats why I am asking ...please

[wolfjan1]

My sister has the same problem, but she is so talented in other places. You can go by your strengths. I just gave her a bamboo, with the instructions. They are hard to kill. And are lucky plants. I even gave her the recipe for the little bit of plant food that they need.
I promised to give her rosemary and other herbs. She brings me dishes that she makes from my herbs. She is QUITE talented in the kitchen. I tell her what the herbs are good for, physically, because she is not ready to be referred to as a kitchen witch.
So, whatever your talents may be, discover them and use them to your best advantage. Then shae them or trade them with your loved ones.
Don't worry,
Enjoy

[Zephyrstorm]

I'll second what Wolfjan said - follow your talents.

If you really need to work with plants, then choose those that are relatively easy to care for. I have a succulent (related to the aloe) at my office that I can pretty much just visit and look at. It only needs water about every 10 days or so. When I need a moment, I go over and check on it, visiting it. It's become a good companion for me.

Being a kitchen witch doesn't automatically mean that you have to have a big garden. I think taking care of our feathered, furred and scaled friends is just as important. :)
(and some of us can't grow nice big gardens for now, no matter how much we might want.)

I guess what I'm saying is: Don't stress yourself out. Play to your strengths.
But don't sell yourself short. Some people are good with certain kinds of pets, and some people are good with certain plants.

Z

[wolfjan1]

Ah, yes, I have feeders for the neighborhood birds. Then when we mow the yard they all swoop in on the grub population in the yard and feast. My yard has never looked better, according to My Mom. It's like they are giving back to their benefactors. For some reason, they let th ladybugs be. I am worried about the bees, though. I have a back yard full of trumpet vines and honeysuckle and have not seen the usual bees. I do not exterminate for bugs because the birds take care of them for me. My Dad didn't either, for the same reason, and he tended this yard for 20 years before me. This is a sad state of affairs. Is there anything else I can do?

[CloeOtter]

Thank you both for your thoughtful replies. I'll reminded myself to just go with my flow. I guess my method is just find for me. I am good with Weather crafting, oracles, animals, knot magic, and some other areas... so I can see I have a lot to work with. I still feel I need to attempt the Catnip, however, I feel better.

About the bees, I have been hearing that bees may be disoriantated by the cellphones energy or radiation, even the cellphone towers may be part of the problem. These maybe making it so they can not find their hives. Perhaps the bees are having a hard time finding their pollin harvest areas as well? Also there are roommers of a illness or fugus affecting bees. Not sure of all the details.

I have been planing a healing/energy ritual at the next Full moon June 1st which happens to be know as the Honey or Strawberry Moon. This would be a great time to do rituals for the bees to help them one way or another.

Peace

[Zephyrstorm]

Re: the bees - it's really an unusual situation with the hives this year. I've noticed a significant drop in the number of bees this year since the end of April.

Before that we'd found a hive had set up shop inside one of the walls of my apartment, which was fun. :o The hive has moved somewhere though because I'm still occasionally seeing workers, but there aren't any warriors hanging out around where the old hive was.

Sadly no one's sure exactly what's taking out our little sisters, but they are sure that the repercussions could be very bad.

You might try setting up something to attract other pollinators, like maybe encouraging some wasps or butterflies? *ponder* I'm not sure what else could be done. It is very saddening to see the bees hit so hard on this scale.

Z

[Xirian]

I like this thread a lot. I am just the opposite though, I am not very good with animals. I didn't think I was very good with plants, but each year I try planting something new and just taking care of that one thing. I have found that I am very good and I really have an emotional connection with plants. It's really interesting to me and something new that I've just recently been experiencing for the past few years.

This year I will be trying out two plants. I kept an aloe alive all winter and hope to continue caring for that, besides the fact that I use the gel inside of it for burns. And I plan on trying to grow basil again this year.

I think taking your time and starting out with something that is easy to grow are very good suggestions.

Please keep us posted on what you end up doing.

[CloeOtter]

Thank you Xirian,
I am glad this thred hit some where with you. slow and steady, plus going with the flow thats me. I am trying to find either a already started Catnip or some seed, but no luck let... I am not sure what all I need for this plant/herb...if I need to start it from seed??? I have south windows so I know sun light is no problem. I beleive its a full sun plant. will go look up Catnip on the web.....
cobwebs & pusywillows to all

[Xirian]

I have never started from seed for anything. I tend to look at the Farmer's Markets we have here or the local food co-op and buy plants that have already been started. I will try my hand at growing from seed later.

In fact, I went to KMart and they have a good variety of herbs that are already started, so I know that the local co-op on the other side of town has some now too. I tend to stick with organically started plants. I don't buy from places like KMart because I don't know what they've done to their plants.

However, I have found that the people at where ever I buy from are extremely willing to answer your questions, find the best soil, and tell you how to water.

Also, there are many websites online that will give you suggestions on a specific plant and what methods make them grow the best. I simply type in something like "Aloe soil" and there are all sorts of websites that pop up with information on how to take care of an aloe plant. Also, at the Farmer's Market, people are more than willing to let you know how they started their plants, what soil they used, how to repot them and when and all the information you should need to grow your plant indoor or out.

Good luck!!!

[Zephyrstorm]

Another resource would be to talk to your local garden societies, or, if there is a university nearby, see if they have a horticulture department. Some of my best plants have been bought from my university, and they can also give you information and tips regarding taking care of them.

They'll also do soil testing if you have a yard and want to see what kinds of plants will thrive there.

Z

[Nitefalle]

Hi CloeOtter!! Welcome to the forum. I agree with what has been said here before me, you don't have to be good with plants to be a green/kitchen witch. I had a horribly black thumb as a child, I have just been so stubborn that I can now get things to grow. Catnip should be a good starter, as most herbs are pretty hardy and will take whatever you throw at them as long as they get enough sun. Perhaps the energies at your altar would be happy with one of your sketches of Catnip set up on the altar, to show your intent and devotion? You said you are good at sketching them....perhaps actually growing it is not needed? I think meditating in front of your altar might give you a clearer idea on what is expected from you.

Let us know how it goes!