Waking the Garden & Beltane Blessings

These wild violets up against the house are the only ones that are currently blooming. Many other clumps of violets in this small garden are further from the house and still tentative about the weather.

 

The daffs are blooming pretty abundantly all over the place. This double is one of my favorites.

 

The garlic is up and doing really great! We trialed the use of pine straw last year with good success. We’re growing a good bit less garlic this year, as storage issues seem to find us losing more than I care to.

 

Since this picture was taken I’ve filled this bed in with a variety of greens.

It is happening.  The land is warming up and things are beginning to look more like Spring.   There are many chores to catch up on and the good news is the weather has been cooperative…in fact it looks like mud season will pass us by this year.  One can hope.

As Beltane approaches (1 May, the mid-point of the sun between the Vernal Equinox and the Summer Solstice)  traditionally a time when the ancestors would move themselves and their livestock to higher pastures where the receding snows have left nutrient rich grasses.  The would pass between double fires set as gates keepers or guardians and leave behind the heaviness of winter.  I cannot help but to feel great relief to see Old Man Winter on the run.  There will be a lovely festival, and some good cheer to go round as we celebrate.  Let us all turn our faces toward the sun in celebration of Beltane!

*anna