Gaia's Garden

Even those of us on an Earth centered path can use a little help now and then in caring for our Mother.  This column is dedicated to making us more aware of the "footprints" we leave on Her and how to live more harmoniously with Her even if we're urban pagans.

Waiting on Spring

Here it is, the Dead of Winter.  At times it seems that Spring will never put in an appearance.  In the last issue of Ravenwynd, we discussed houseplants as a method of bringing the outdoors inside and here a few more ideas along those lines.

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to increase the variety of plants in your house is to exchange cuttings or starts with your friends.  Transplanting, potting and nursing the little starts is a great way to keep busy while waiting for the first thaw.  Our group once incorporated such an exchange into our Imbolc ritual.

If you have some ready cash, you might try buying some plants from your local supermarket.  A word to the wise however, check carefully for bugs!  As one friend of mine who imported an infestation put it, "They had all the bugs you could ever want for just $6.99!" Something else to try is an amaryllis or other forced bulbs.  These come all ready to grow, bloom in a very short time and are easy to care for.

If all else fails and you are simply hopeless with growing plants, opt for some cut flowers.  Shasta daises and daffodils will last quite a while and will bring sunny color into your room.  Tulips are best left in the store, as they will wilt quickly,  If you must have tulips, buy them in a pot.

Remember, spring will come.....eventually.

                       Mother Bless,
                                                        Kara Shima

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