Flora & Fauna – Page 22

Full Corn Planting Moon of May

Hail, Hail, Hail the full moon in May. In the northern hemisphere, we celebrate the height of spring with warm days and mild nights. The spring rains replenish the earth, washing the dust and pollen out of the air. The trees and shrubs spread their leaves and give vital cover to nesting birds. The wood thrush, rose breasted grosbeak, bluebird and catbird are all calling out. The finches take on their precious spring colors and strut about in gold and rose plumage.

In Native American culture, this is the Corn Planting Moon. All gardeners are raking up the soil, pressing in the seeds, coaxing peas up the trellis and enjoying early spring greens. The arugula, sorrel and dandelion leaves give strong flavor and a cleansing tonic to the digestion.

This is the Full Flower Moon in Sagittarius. The mood may be optimistic with an ability to see things from a positive perspective now. The need for a bit of freedom and new horizons may be in the air. Time to explore new paths or ways of doing things. Be careful of a tendency for over the top conversations from yourself and those around you. The energy is positive. Roll with the moon tides!

Enjoy the springtime. Blessed be.

The Blue Bell by E Bronte

The Bluebell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air:
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit’s care.

There is a spell in purple heath
Too wildly, sadly dear;
The violet has a fragrant breath,
But fragrance will not cheer,

The trees are bare, the sun is cold,
And seldom, seldom seen;
The heavens have lost their zone of gold,
And earth her robe of green.

And ice upon the glancing stream
Has cast its sombre shade;
And distant hills and valleys seem
In frozen mist arrayed.

The Bluebell cannot charm me now,
The heath has lost its bloom;
The violets in the glen below,
They yield no sweet perfume.

But, though I mourn the sweet Bluebell,
‘Tis better far away;
I know how fast my tears would swell
To see it smile to-day.

For, oh! when chill the sunbeams fall
Adown that dreary sky,
And gild yon dank and darkened wall
With transient brilliancy;

How do I weep, how do I pine
For the time of flowers to come,
And turn me from that fading shine,
To mourn the fields of home!

by Emily Bronte

Destination Allan Gardens Toronto

While visiting the northern city of Toronto, take a break from all that glass and steel to visit the Allan Gardens. The conservatory is a delightful refuge from the hustle of busy streets. There are five greenhouses including a palm and cacti house.

The tropical house includes a turtle and koi pond. A paddle wheel gently stirs the water making a sweet splashing sound. Enjoy bromeliads and orchids, shrimp plants and ficus vines.

The second house has a delightful pair of topiary bunnies. They spend their days gazing at Leda and the Swan sculpture in the shallow pond. The house is filled with cineraria, primula, seasonal hyacinth and jonquils.

Stroll along the pathways and enjoy this garden under glass. Admission is free!

Hours are Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Jarvis Street, Toronto Canada