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Garden Gate:  Medicine Wheel Garden  |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 09 2008 : 3:35:05 PM
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I have been reading about and am intrigued about the idea of having a Medicine Wheel Garden - have any of you gals done this? Do tell!
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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chicken necker
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Sherry
Eastern Shore
Maryland
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Mar 10 2008 : 06:41:24 AM
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I know what the Medicine Wheel is, but I've never heard of a medicine wheel garden. I was going to try making mine into a special shape this year. Like if you could look down on it from the sky, you'd be able to see the design. Is that what you mean?
FarmGirl Sister #123
Crafty Bay FarmGirls Chapter
Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference. |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Mar 10 2008 : 07:57:20 AM
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This is a cool idea. Kathy, will you plant the garden, or set the stones and see what pops up for you?
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2008 : 10:56:10 AM
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I haven't done a Medicine Wheel Garden, but had "Mystic's Herb Garden" for some years until I moved. I want to create a new one, will see...good luck on this, Kathy. I googled Medicine Wheel Garden and found some neat stuff.
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2008 : 5:50:13 PM
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Judith I like the idea of a mystic's herb garden, what did you grow? I am in the process of reading a book called The Medicine Wheel Gardem: Creating Sacred Space for Healing, Celebration, and Tranquility by E. Barrie Kavasch
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Mar 15 2008 : 5:56:25 PM
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Okay, Kathy, this will be an abbreviated version of it, but if you want the full instructions, just email me with your address and I'll mail them. You create a circular garden plot and then make a spiral path to the center. "At the center of the spiral, plant the herb pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) to represent the sun, the giver of life...Between the stones of your path, sprinkle the seed of sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima). This herb is also known as madwort, and in this garden represents the innocence of clear thinking. The mystic is aware of the direction that things such as ideas and emotions come from. The direction of north is the way of wisdom and freedom from fear. On the uppermost north curve of the mystic's garden, plant yarrow (Achillea millefolium) to repel fear. The west is the direction of the unknown. On the west side you will plant some rue plants (Ruta graveolens). Rue is said to drive away hexes and spells that might be placed on a mystic. Next to the rue, plant several cayenne pepper (Capsicum) plants. A mystic believes that cayenne breaks up bad spells. It also serves the dual purpose of adding spice to one's love life. You are now in the southwest corner of your gaden and here you will place at least two rosemary (Rosmarinus) plants. They must be planted far enough apart to sow annual basil in and around them. The rosemary will both attract friendly elves to the garden and deter thieves from your property. The basil protects from negativity. The south is the direction of the heart and noble passions. Here you will plant sweet marjoram (Origanum Marjorana), two to three depending on space. Sweet marjoram is a love charm and will bring happiness into your life. Next to the sweet marjoram, plant Thyme (Thymus sp). Thyme serves to bring good health to a home. In and round the thyme dig several holes deep enough to hold clay pots in which to plant perennial pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Pennyroyal will serve to prevent weariness on your journey through life. We are now in the east which is the place of beginnings. Here by the thyme and pennyroyal, we will plant feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) to prevent illness and accidents. Just to the south of the first stepping stone (cf. "full directions") plant garden sage (Salvia officinalis) or Holt's Mammoth sage. Sage will consecrate this area, the entrance to the mystic's garden. Following the spiral path, plant amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) [Love Lies Bleeding is a nice variety] on the south side of the path from the sage all the way to the center of the spiral. Amaranth represents immortality. Now plant at least 3 lavenders (Lavendula sp.); choose the best for your area, along the outside of the spiral path, or between the path and the amaranth, sage, feverfew and thyme. Lavender is the herb of purification. To finish off your garden, you will need a small bench in among the calendula and several small statuary animals, preferably frogs and turtles. The turtle acts as a guide on your journey and the frog will bring rain to your garden. Walk often down the spiral path and sit in the center of your garden. It's the perfect place for a few moments of quiet meditation or just to stop and catch your breah on busy days."
If you can envision this, it takes a bit of room to do it right. I thought I had left plenty of room, but in San Diego, the herbs grew and grew, and I could have made it bigger by half and been good. I'm not sure if I'll do one here in Spokane, my space is limited, but I may just try it. It was nice just knowing it was there. I have one book that says the mystic's garden should be hidden, behind a wall, or something, but I thought that that would create too much shade and these herbs really need the sun. Well, there you have it, and if you want the full directions, just email me.
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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corporatefarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
389 Posts
Tamara
Pikeville
TN
USA
389 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2008 : 4:58:05 PM
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The medicine wheel is from the Indian culture. I believe all Indians have a medicine wheel. Each with there own variations. A couple of years ago I had the Cherokee Medicine Wheel placed as a tatoo on my back 0 at the age of 47 I got my first tatoo). This was in honor of my great grandmother who was full bloodied Cherokee and the medicinal herbs I work with.
As to the garden, it will be based on the Indian version you wish to go with. I will email you in a few days with the directions for the Cherokee version. Color plays an important role in the wheel. I am planting one this year on our new farm. The back of the garden will have a post frame that will hold a large dream catcher I designed out of branches, feathers hang from leather strips off the circle.
I think the design will be cool.
there is a seed to plant in every heart |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2008 : 7:18:50 PM
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Hey Judith...just sent you a message!
Thanks, Stephanie |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2008 : 8:14:34 PM
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I am becoming very intrigued with the study of Indian herbal medicine and lore. Fascinating!
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2008 : 08:48:54 AM
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Got it, Stephanie, and replied. Will send out the full instructions tomorrow. :o) Judy
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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Kathie
True Blue Farmgirl
2436 Posts
Kathie
Thonotosassa
Florida
USA
2436 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2008 : 10:53:41 AM
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Kathy I was going to do one last year... Actualy there's a thread from a long time ago.. LAST year where we had been talking about it..
Another girl & i were both going to start ours together.. & compare notes.. but i got sidetracked of course..!
Never did get mine going..!
So i can't Wait to see how yours turns out!!!
Kathie.. Farm Girl Sister #29
"In a World Where you Can Be Anything, Be Yourself".. |
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Garden Gate: Medicine Wheel Garden |
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Medicine Wheel Garden
