April 16, 2006
Ahhhh Spring!
The vernal equinox has passed, spring is officially abroad in the land, and Leafy Life is here to provide you an abundance of exciting garden news. Those of us in the mountains of Zone 4 are watching our tulips grow by the hour and waiting eagerly for the first blossoms, and I have a flat of oh so fragrant sweet violets, stock, and snap dragons to plant on this lovely Easter day.
Stay tuned for lots of good garden tips, ideas, news, and the latest products to thrill and amaze you. Happy Easter!
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January 05, 2006
January Moon
First month of the year is called Canapopa Wi in the Lakota tradition, meaning Wood Popping. Farmer's Almanac tells us that many Native Indian tribes in America call January's moon the "Full Wolf Moon" because the hungry wolf packs howled outside their villages in the deep, treacherous snows of mid-winter. Other names are the Old Moon and the Full Snow Moon, although most tribes used that name for what we now call February.
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November 01, 2005
November First
It is the eleventh month of the year and fall is in full force. Mountains of red and gold are lying underfoot to rake up, some parts of the country have already seen snow, and we need to take a deep breath before the holidays come crowding in.
Names of the November full moon: Beaver Moon, Mad Moon
In the Lakota tradition: Waniyetu Wi, another word for Moon of the Falling Leaves
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October 11, 2005
Autumn Garden Activities
Bulbs are ordered, the beds are ready, now's the time for fall planting of shrubs, trees and perennials. Many nurseries still have sales going on, except in the very coldest areas, and the bargains are tempting. Look for new ideas for ornamental grasses and native plants that will take less water next year and add scale and dimension to your garden.
This week leafy life will focus on products and information relating to fall planting and cleanup, starting with the new, quieter leaf blowers and a great log cart/leaf bag combo.
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October 08, 2005
October
It is the tenth month of the year and fall has arrived in all its red-gold splendor. How we love that buttery sunshine, the sweetly warm days and crisp nights. In my area, we've had our first hard frost. The pumpkins are piled high among sheaves of corn stalks, gourds and chrysanthemums in bloom.
The Farmer's Almanac, drawing on the Algonquin tradition, calls October the month of the Full Hunter's Moon. "With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can easily see fox and the animals which have come out to glean."
The Lakota name is Canwapekasna Wi–the Moon of Falling Leaves.
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September 22, 2005
The Autumn Equinox
I write this almost at the moment of the equinox, today at 6:23 p.m. EDT, when the length of day and night are precisely the same.
"For thousands of years we planetary pilgrims have welcomed the sacred event of the autumn equinox with fires, songs and celebrations. Day equals night and light balances darkness, as on this feast a season of completion and contentment begins. This is the harvest season; the fruits of summer are stored for the coming winter...cause for rejoicing and feasting." Edward Hays
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