Featured Plants of April and May

By Abby Miranda

April:

I remember a quote from a famous poet, whose name slips my mind now, which said, "April was the cruelest month". I don't remember why he said that, but what I do know is that lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) bloom in April. Beautiful, sweet smelling lilac is used for protection and exorcism. The planet Venus rules them and its element is water. According to Scott Cunningham, lilacs grown on your property will drive away evil. They need a lot of room to grow and full sun all day long. Also, if your home is inhabited by unwanted spirits, fresh cut lilacs placed strategically will help clear your house. Some people may be bothered by the scent, since it can be strong to some, so not only will you drive away certain spirits, but certain people too! Pay attention when lilacs are in season because you will only see them in the stores for a couple of weeks, unless you have a friend who doesn't mind you cutting some flowers off of their lilac shrubs! So when April seems a little cruel this year, lilacs will help to protect you and keep you safe.

May:

When I think of the month of May, I think of sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum). It blooms this time of year and I find that many always overlook it. It is a low growing plant that does not require much sun or care and you will always be rewarded with frilly white flowers. The scent is sweet, which reminds one of the smell of hay. For a plant so unassuming, it is very masculine being ruled by the planet Mars and its element fire. It is sometimes called the "Master of the Woods". Sweet woodruff can attract money and prosperity when carried on your person. It can bring victory to warriors and ward off harm when placed in your medicine pouch or amulet bag. Sweet Woodruff is also the main ingredient for May wine. Cut a handful of the leaves and place in a cheesecloth panel. Tie it up with some long, white string to create a small bundle. Buy a bottle of your favorite white wine, preferably something on the dry side, and empty half into a clean, glass bowl. Push your woodruff bundle through the hole of your wine bottle until it is the middle of the bottle. Make sure that there is enough string hanging out of the hole and tape that down to the outside of the bottle. Carefully pour back your wine from the bowl and re-cork. Place the bottle in your fridge and let steep for about 2 weeks. When it is ready, you will have a wonderfully, subtle sweet hay taste infused in the wine. Share this wine on Beltane with your close friends! Be careful if you are on any blood-thinning medications, since sweet woodruff can thin the blood. Otherwise, enjoy!