A garden is more than just soil and seeds—it's a sacred space of healing, harmony, and abundance. Every time I get my hands in the dirt, I think of my mother, Bonnie, and my grandmother, La Golda. Their love for flowers and homegrown food shaped my own journey into the magic of gardening.
Gardening as a Sacred Tradition
For generations, the women in my family have nurtured the land, understanding that gardening is more than just planting seeds—it's an act of devotion, a way to commune with nature and honor life itself.
My Grandmother, La Golda: The Keeper of Gardens
My grandmother, La Golda, had three garden plots of different sizes in her backyard. Each one was overflowing with life, a testament to her patience and deep respect for the earth. She knew which plants thrived together, how to rotate crops to replenish the soil, and how to use food as medicine.
But beyond the structured rows of vegetables and herbs, La Golda, (everyone called her Goldie), also tended to the wild. A hill next to her house bloomed freely with wildflowers, strawberries, and planted flowers, an untamed sanctuary of beauty. And always, there were marigolds. She adored them, their golden petals glowing like tiny suns, offering protection and attracting pollinators. To her, marigolds were more than just flowers; they were symbols of resilience, love, and spiritual connection.
My Mother, Bonnie: The Guardian of Baby's Breath
My mother, Bonnie, carried the same deep reverence for plants. On the side of her house, she grew baby's breath, its tiny white blooms like whispers from another realm. I remember running my fingers through the delicate flowers, enchanted by their airy lightness.
My mom always had thriving plants in the house specifically in the family room. In front of the back door leading out to the patio, you would always find plants with huge wooden stabilizers in the pot because they would grow so tall and lush.
My mother taught me that gardening wasn't just about what we grow, it's about how we nurture. She tended to her plants with the same care she gave to the people she loved, knowing that all living things flourish when given patience, attention, and kindness. On a summers day, you could always find her repotting something.
Bringing Their Wisdom Into My Own Garden
Now, when I plant marigolds, I feel my grandmother's presence guiding my hands. When I watch baby's breath sway in the wind, I hear my mother's gentle voice reminding me to slow down and appreciate the small miracles around me. Gardening has become a way for me to stay connected to them, to carry their legacy forward in my own life.
Whether you have acres of land, a small backyard, or just a few pots on a balcony, you too can create a thriving, sacred garden. Here are my top 10 tips to help you grow an organic, abundant space filled with fruits, vegetables, wildflowers, and herbs.
10 Essential Tips for Growing a Thriving Organic Garden
1. Honor the Soil
Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Feed it with compost, organic matter, and love. Avoid chemical fertilizers and instead nourish the earth with natural amendments like aged manure, worm castings, and mulch.
2. Plant with the Moon
Gardening by the lunar cycle has been practiced for centuries. The waxing moon encourages leafy growth, while the waning moon is ideal for root crops and transplanting. Aligning your planting with these natural rhythms can enhance your harvest.
3. Companion Planting for Natural Harmony
Some plants thrive when grown together, while others protect each other from pests. For example, basil enhances the growth of tomatoes, while marigolds deter harmful insects. Let nature be your guide in choosing plant companions.
4. Water with Intention
Water is life. Instead of mindlessly watering your garden, do it with presence and gratitude. Early morning is the best time to water, as it reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
5. Attract Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
Butterflies, bees, and birds are nature's helpers. Planting native flowers, wildflowers, and herbs like lavender, echinacea, and mint will invite them into your garden, ensuring pollination and a thriving ecosystem.
6. Grow Native & Heirloom Varieties
Native and heirloom plants are deeply rooted in the land's history. They are often more resilient, require fewer resources, and are packed with more nutrients and flavor than commercially bred varieties.
7. Use Natural Fertilizers & Organic Pest Control
Skip synthetic chemicals and opt for natural fertilizers like compost tea, banana peels, and crushed eggshells. Neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and companion planting can help control pests without harming beneficial insects.
8. Welcome the Wild
Not everything needs to be perfectly pruned. Allow herbs and wildflowers to grow freely—they hold ancient wisdom and bring balance to your garden. Letting some plants bolt (flower and seed) can also attract beneficial insects and replenish the soil.
9. Harvest with Gratitude
The act of harvesting is sacred. Before picking fruits, vegetables, or herbs, take a moment to thank the earth. This simple practice deepens your connection to nature and reminds you that everything is a gift.
10. Be Present & Let Your Garden Teach You
Your garden is a meditation, a living, breathing teacher. Spend time observing, listening, and learning from the plants. Gardening isn't just about growing food and flowers—it's about growing yourself.
Tending to the Earth, Tending to the Soul
Gardening is an ancestral practice, a way to honor those who came before us and leave something beautiful for those who come after. Every time I sink my hands into the soil, I feel my mother and grandmother beside me. Their wisdom is in the roots, in the flowers, in the way the earth responds to love.
May your garden flourish with abundance, healing, and magic, just as mine has.