The Celestial Garden

Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac

Foreword by Rosemary Gladstar
Categories: Gardening
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing

“So much thoughtful insight and practical advice is contained in these pages . . . Jane uses nature as a guide to living life in harmony rather than discord.”—Rosemary Gladstar, author of Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs

Insight, ideas, and inspiration abound in this highly practical guide to growing successfully in harmony with the moon, the Earth, and other planetary influences.

Planting by the moon is an age-old gardening tradition, but did you know that the cycles of the moon and the zodiac can be a powerful tool to improve your success with all kinds of gardening tasks? In The Celestial Garden, longtime gardener and herbalist Jane Hawley Stevens explains how the movement of the moon through the constellations of the zodiac provides a detailed calendar of optimal times for planting seeds, roots, and transplants, as well as for pruning, weeding, propagation, harvesting, and even starting new garden projects or throwing garden parties. While herbs are Stevens’s specialty, she loves growing all kinds of plants, and The Celestial Garden provides excellent gardening tips for every gardener, whether their passion is for vegetables, fruits, herbs, or flowers. At a deeper level, Stevens believes that gardening by the moon and learning about astrological cycles can help restore our elemental interconnection with Nature and the Earth.

The Celestial Garden introduces and explains all aspects of astrological gardening:

  • What moon signs are, and why and how the phase of the moon affects plant growth and development
  • How to align the moon’s passage through the constellations of the zodiac with your choice of daily garden tasks and projects
  • Specific tips and advice for the best activities to undertake during each of the moon’s phases
  • How to incorporate simple, creative seasonal rituals into your astrological gardening practice
  • How to design a unique chakra garden
  • How to apply what you learn about astrological influences beyond the garden to experience a greater sense of flow and satisfaction in all aspects of your daily life

 

Photos of the author’s garden throughout the book provide visual evidence of the positive results that come from gardening in harmony with the moon and planetary influences. Illustrations and charts help readers understand the lunar cycle and its influence on plants, the astrological rulers of the body, and the relationship between the signs of the zodiac and the four elements (earth, air, water, fire).

Gardeners of every level of experience will find new insights, ideas, and inspiration in this unusual, beautiful, and highly practical guide to the simple yet expansive art of consulting with the cosmos to inform our garden tasks on any given day, week, or month and enjoy greater gardening satisfaction and success.

“[Stevens’] advice is plentiful . . [and her] horticultural degree underscore the science of her work.”—Booklist

“A unique and wonderful book, brimming with the knowledge and skills that arise from a lifetime in herbalism. . . This book is a major contribution to herbalism’s role not only in the alleviation of suffering, but the transformation of human consciousness. Thank you, Jane!”—David Hoffmann, RH (AHG), fellow, National Institute of Medical Herbalists; principal scientist, Traditional Medicinals

“In this easy-to-understand guidebook, Jane Hawley Stevens demystifies the moon and stars in relationship with nature and explains how you can use their powerful cycles to make your garden the most beautiful, bountiful, and happiest it can be.”—Maria Rodale, author of Love, Nature, Magic

Reviews and Praise

  • "[Stevens'] advice is plentiful, as are how-tos: step-by-step seed gardening, a handful of recipes/projects (violet syrup, cherry bark cough syrup, wreaths), and useful lists of astrological signs . . . The Old Farmer’s Almanac as well as Stevens' horticultural degree underscore the science of her work, which is best read slowly [and] thoroughly."Booklist


More Reviews and Praise


  • “A unique and wonderful book, brimming with the knowledge and skills that arise from a lifetime in herbalism. Practical, competent, and relevant herbalism guided by the application of insights that flow from astrology. Understanding that herbalism is harnessing ecology for human health, Jane Hawley Stevens has taken this insight much further by showing how the cosmic ecology of astrology can augment all aspects of herbalism, from gardening to medicine making to healing. This book is a major contribution to herbalism’s role not only in the alleviation of suffering but the transformation of human consciousness. Thank you, Jane!”—David Hoffmann, RH (AHG), fellow, National Institute of Medical Herbalists; principal scientist, Traditional Medicinals

  • “Celestial Gardening unlocks ancient truths about planting—and living—in lunar harmony. Prepare to cultivate your garden as well as your soul: Herbalist Jane Hawley Stevens guides readers in contemplative discovery of the organic connections among plants and creatures, the moon’s cycles, and the rhythms of our shared Earth.”—Carol Connare, editor, The Old Farmer’s Almanac

  • “In this easy-to-understand guidebook, Jane Hawley Stevens demystifies the moon and stars in relationship with nature and explains how you can use their powerful cycles to make your garden the most beautiful, bountiful, and happiest it can be.”—Maria Rodale, author of Love, Nature, Magic

  • “In The Celestial Garden, Jane Hawley Stevens perfectly blends common-sense gardening with empirical observation of cycles. Jane illuminates early wisdom in the plant–human relationship, and her writing style invites one to embrace the beautiful relationship between the sky, the earth, and their joint cornucopia.”—William Morris, PhD, DAOM, author of Cycles in Medical Astrology

  • “Tuning in to ancient knowledge is like a living meditation. You let go of your ego and surrender to the higher energy, where all is connected. Jane Hawley Stevens helps us remember to dial down technology and listen to the subtle, cosmic rhythms that support all of life. The Celestial Garden is a luminous gem of a book and a must-read for all gardeners and plant lovers.”—Pat Crocker, culinary herbalist and award-winning author of The Herbalist’s Kitchen

  • “Who has been growing gardens of herbs and vegetables for over thirty years and is now giving you directions? Jane Hawley Stevens, in this wonderful book, provides experience, techniques, traditions, and nature-wisdom, along with her extensive herbal knowledge.”—Matthew Wood, MS (Herbal Medicine), founder, Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism; author of The Earthwise Herbal Repertory

  • “A gift to all gardeners! In this pragmatic, clear, and comprehensive book, Jane leads us into the garden of the divine with her easy-to-apply guidelines for living and gardening in harmony with the moon and star influences.”—Atina Diffley, award-winning author of Turn Here Sweet Corn

  • “I have visited Jane’s magnificent farm, and her chakra garden is one of the most beautiful and magical gardens I have ever experienced. The Celestial Garden is a treasure trove of her lifelong experience with plants and stewardship of the land, and also the wisdom born of her deep connection with the Earth. This book is wise, delightful, thoughtful, and inspirational, while being firmly grounded in the practical work of raising herbs, food, family, and community. Jane’s clear explanation of the movement of celestial bodies through the cosmos has given me new appreciation for how the moon exerts its influence. Her practical, step-by-step instructions and lists of gardening activities to engage in during various moon phases are beyond valuable. I also appreciate her insights into the planetary influences on gardeners and herbalists!”—Betzy Bancroft, cofounder and core faculty, Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism

  • “Ah, to go back in time and be a young land steward thinking about birthing gardens and planting trees to reach for the stars! The Celestial Garden would have been my companion each morning over a steaming cup or each evening setting intentions for the following day. To know the connection to each cycle of the moon, and which planet close above, for planting seeds of varying types into which soil to enhance plant growth and the harvest and offer the best potential outcome for vibrant wonderfulness is, well, very cool. Jane adds a sprinkling of lovely family stories that warm the heart. This family of farmers and workers is a positive reflection of balanced Earth and celestial energies.”—Margi Flint, founder, EarthSong Herbals; author of The Practicing Herbalist



About The Author


About Jane Hawley Stevens

Jane Hawley Stevens plants, harvests, and creates herbal wellness products for her Four Elements Organic Herbals brand (https://fourelementsherbals.com/) from her 130-acre farm in Wisconsin. With over thirty years of experience in designing herb gardens and growing herbs, she is an established figure in the herbal products industry and a knowledgeable elder in the Midwest herbalism community. Jane and her husband, David Stevens, have been certified organic growers since 1990 and were awarded the Organic Farmer of the Year Award in 2020 by MOSES, an organization that works to grow the organic farming movement in the Midwest. As a speaker and teacher, Jane offers courses and workshops through her apothecary and farm, as well as at health food stores and conferences. She spends her time gardening, hiking, biking, and skiing to be surrounded by the beauty and awe that can only be experienced outdoors. You can find her at night, gazing at the stars and planets with reverence for the opportunity to be an advocate for Nature and all its wonderment.

Books By Jane Hawley Stevens

Pages:240 pages
Book Art:Full-color photographs and illustrations throughout
Size: 6 x 9 inch
Publisher:Chelsea Green Publishing
US Pub. Date: December 7, 2023
UK Pub. Date: February 22, 2024
Paperback: 9781645022138

Available In/Retail Price

Paperback, 240 pages, $29.95USD, £25.00GBP