The garden can be one of the most magical places in your life. Be sure to read all about how to plan, create, and grow your magical garden, as well as ways to create specialty gardens, herb plots, and more.

Learn about Garden Folklore and Magic Ariel Skelley/Brand X/Getty Images In the early spring, many of us who follow earth-based spiritual paths begin planning our gardens for the coming season. The very act of planting, of beginning new life from seed, is a ritual and a magical act in itself. To cultivate something in the black soil, see it sprout and then bloom, is to watch a magical working unfold before our very eyes. The plant cycle is intrinsically tied to so many earth-based belief systems that it should come as no surprise that the magic of the garden is one well worth looking into. Let's look at some of the folklore and traditions that surround gardening and planting magic.

Plant a Magical Moon Garden Ricardo Reitmeyer/E+/Getty Images Many Pagans love to garden, but a lot of people don't realize you can grow plants and flowers that bloom at night. Cultivating a moon garden is a great way to get in touch with nature, and it provides a beautiful and fragrant backdrop for your moonlight rituals in the summer. If you plant these lovelies close to your house, you can open the windows and take advantage of their aromas as you sleep.

Plant an Elemental Garden Patti Wigington If you're a Pagan or Wiccan who's into gardening, you might want to consider planting an elemental garden. The four classical elements are often associated with Pagan and Wiccan spirituality, so why not incorporate them into your gardening? Summer is a great time to work on your garden, so if you haven't gotten out there digging in the dirt yet, now's your chance! The sun is at its peak, the earth is nice and warm, and plants are growing all around. Move some of your existing plants (or put some new ones in) and create an elemental garden. By connecting different parts of your garden with the four elements, you can add a little bit of magic into your life each year.

Plant a Goddess Garden Plant a garden honoring the god or goddess of your tradition. Francois DeHeel/Photolibrary/Getty Images Plants and magic have been associated for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, so when spring rolls around and you're planning your seasonal garden, why not set up a special area to dedicate to the goddess or god of your tradition?

Learn About Magical Flowers Forsythia is associated with anticipation and love. SuperStock-PKS Media/BrandX Pictures/Getty Images As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers, in particular, are often connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that those blossoms are blooming, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around you, and consider the different magical applications they might have.

Learn About Magical Herbs Maximilian Stock Ltd./Taxi/Getty Images So you've decided you're ready to do a magical working—but you're not sure which herbs are the best ones to use. Use this list as a reference point to determine which herbs, plants, and flowers are the best choices for your purposes. Be sure to visit the Magical Herb Gallery for images of many herbs used in magic.

Wildcraft Herbs Forests are a great place to look for wild herbs to harvest—as long as you have permission!. Patti Wigington In addition to growing your own magical herbs in your garden, in many areas you can harvest herbs from their natural environment—in the wild. This is known as wildcrafting and is becoming a popular pastime. If you’re one of the many Pagans who enjoys working with herbs, you may want to look into wildcrafting. However, much like any other natural resource, herbs must be harvested responsibly—otherwise, a once-plentiful plant can quickly end up on the endangered list. An ethical wildcrafter should never cause damage, nor should they deplete a resource. Here's how to be an ethical wildcrafter.

Welcome Birds to Your Garden Blaise Hayward/Digital Vision/Getty Images During the spring, birds are busily building their nests. Many species have returned from wintering somewhere else, and eggs are getting ready to hatch. If you'd like to attract wild birds to your yard, provide them with places to nest that are safe and sheltered. There are several ways to welcome birds to your property, including building houses, hanging feeders, and providing a source of water.