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Garden Witchery: Magick from the Ground Up
How does your magickal garden grow?... With violets, rosemary, and yarrow to attract faeries; an apple tree for love and health; and a circle of stones in some tucked-away corner? Whether you live in a cottage in the woods, a home in the suburbs, or a city apartment with a small balcony, a powerful and enchanted realm awaits you. Discover the secret language and magickal properties of the trees and flowers, herbs and plants found growing around you, and learn how to create your own witch's garden. Written with down-to-earth humor by a master gardener who is also a practicing witch, this creative and encouraging guide will inspire gardeners of all ages and experience levels. It includes a journal section that makes it easy to keep track of your progress, practical gardening advice, personal stories, and garden witchery lore and magick. Inside, you'll get the dirt 2004 COVR Award Winner
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2003
About the author
Ellen Dugan
69 books497 followersEllen Dugan is the award winning author of over thirty six books and the Witches Tarot. She branched out successfully into paranormal fiction in 2015 with her popular Legacy Of Magick series. Her portfolio of work also includes dozens of articles in the Llewellyn Almanacs and Calendars and 15 non-fiction books. Ellen's non-fiction titles with Llewellyn Worldwide have been translated into over twelve foreign languages. She is a psychic-clairvoyant, and has been a practicing Witch for over thirty-five years.
With over 300K books sold Ellen has a global following. She currently has over twenty published novels, the eleven book Legacy Of Magick series and three other paranormal series: The Gypsy Chronicles, Daughters Of Midnight, and Hemlock Hollow. The first four books in her Legacy Of Magick series were made into audio books with Tantor Audio in 2018.
Ellen was featured on the cover of Witches & Pagans Magazine. She has been interviewed in the studio on KMOV News Channel 4 in St. Louis, done numerous newspaper and radio interviews, and a two hour guest spot on the national syndicated live radio show, Coast to Coast. In 2017 Ellen was also featured in USA TODAY'S HEA column. More information on Ellen's work can be found at www.ellendugan.com on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ellendugan/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ellendugan
With over 300K books sold Ellen has a global following. She currently has over twenty published novels, the eleven book Legacy Of Magick series and three other paranormal series: The Gypsy Chronicles, Daughters Of Midnight, and Hemlock Hollow. The first four books in her Legacy Of Magick series were made into audio books with Tantor Audio in 2018.
Ellen was featured on the cover of Witches & Pagans Magazine. She has been interviewed in the studio on KMOV News Channel 4 in St. Louis, done numerous newspaper and radio interviews, and a two hour guest spot on the national syndicated live radio show, Coast to Coast. In 2017 Ellen was also featured in USA TODAY'S HEA column. More information on Ellen's work can be found at www.ellendugan.com on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ellendugan/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ellendugan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 6, 2023
I've enjoyed other Dugan works, but this one was a bit disappointing. I quickly grew tired of her chatty style, and I don't need to hear her endless references to kids and husband. There are typical lists and correspondences, albeit brief ones, but there isn't actually a whole lot of useful gardening information. There are some suggestions for creating a charming witchy outdoor space, to be sure, but on the whole, there's not enough to be of much interest to me.
May 5, 2017
I had wanted to read Garden Witchery for years. Though it was a pleasant read, I am not sure how much useful information that I got from it. It’s true that I already know a lot about gardening and plants, having wrangled with several problem yards and grown some decent gardens. I thought I knew considerably less about witchery, my main connection being an awareness of the seasons and their various flowers, foods, holidays and crafts. Yet, I already knew much of what is in the book. It seems very basic, and in fact I found it in the children’s section at my local library, which surprised me because some sections do not seem quite kid-appropriate (bad librarian!).
If you are new to gardening, Garden Witchery will give you a good idea of how to work in the garden throughout the seasons, celebrating each in its turn. If you’ve never made a dream pillow, love charm, bath salts, or seasonal wreath, you will find good instructions for these and other crafts here. You will also learn about the traditional symbolism of various garden flowers and herbs, how to plant using astrology and the days of the week, and how to attract faeries to the garden (though the latter seem like more trouble than they’re worth). This is a charming book for those who want to connect with the seasons through gardening. It presents modern-day pagan concepts in a refreshingly unpretentious way.
My favorite section was on moon gardening: how to produce a scented garden that looks lovely by moonlight, including ways to honor various moon goddesses. For example a gazing ball symbolizes the full moon goddess (Selene) while enhancing the garden’s beauty. I also liked the At-a-Glance guides to plant correspondences (plants to use for prosperity, love, healing, creativity, and protection) and crystal and stone magic (symbolism of various gemstones). I also found the many short quotes about gardening at the beginning of sections inspiring.
Beginning gardeners, especially those with children, will find this book useful. Readers who want to learn about the modern-day pagan way of life in a friendly, plant-based way will also enjoy it.
If you are new to gardening, Garden Witchery will give you a good idea of how to work in the garden throughout the seasons, celebrating each in its turn. If you’ve never made a dream pillow, love charm, bath salts, or seasonal wreath, you will find good instructions for these and other crafts here. You will also learn about the traditional symbolism of various garden flowers and herbs, how to plant using astrology and the days of the week, and how to attract faeries to the garden (though the latter seem like more trouble than they’re worth). This is a charming book for those who want to connect with the seasons through gardening. It presents modern-day pagan concepts in a refreshingly unpretentious way.
My favorite section was on moon gardening: how to produce a scented garden that looks lovely by moonlight, including ways to honor various moon goddesses. For example a gazing ball symbolizes the full moon goddess (Selene) while enhancing the garden’s beauty. I also liked the At-a-Glance guides to plant correspondences (plants to use for prosperity, love, healing, creativity, and protection) and crystal and stone magic (symbolism of various gemstones). I also found the many short quotes about gardening at the beginning of sections inspiring.
Beginning gardeners, especially those with children, will find this book useful. Readers who want to learn about the modern-day pagan way of life in a friendly, plant-based way will also enjoy it.
July 18, 2024
When I first read this book over 20 years ago, there wasn't much out there on magickal gardening, and I believe Dugan might have coined the term "garden witch." My reread was pleasant, but with so many other books on the topic today this one isn't my favourite. It does have some good basics.
August 15, 2013
A lot of Ellen Dugan’s magick is done with plant materials, and she tries to grow a lot of it. Most people think of herbs when they think of magickal plants, but in this volume, she writes points out how many plants that frequently aren’t considered magickal can be used; trees, perennials, even groundcovers. She presents many lists of correspondences: flower colors, planetary, days of the week, and gods & goddesses as they related to the plants, allowing you to match the plant to the intent of your spell. She tells you how the moon relates to planting, and about the Victorian language of flowers. There is a section on crafting with plants, using them in seasonal celebrations, and, finally, how to set up a sacred space in your garden.
It’s a very useful garden book for the beginning garden/hedge witch. Dugan writes in a style that makes even a list of facts into a fast, easy read.
It’s a very useful garden book for the beginning garden/hedge witch. Dugan writes in a style that makes even a list of facts into a fast, easy read.
March 5, 2022
The author has a very distinct and conversational tone, and there are a few good tips on how to get started with gardening.
Unfortunately, the book seems to come from a very priviledged point of view. It assumes that everyone has a big yard with lots of space for trees, when in reality a lot of people interested in witchcraft are young people living in the city. The book generally has a very 'American suburban middle class'-feel to it, which is quite alienating for a non-american student living in the city.
Although the conversational tone is good at times, other times it had me wishing the author would just get to the point.
A few good tips on growing conditions, but overall mostly disappointing.
Unfortunately, the book seems to come from a very priviledged point of view. It assumes that everyone has a big yard with lots of space for trees, when in reality a lot of people interested in witchcraft are young people living in the city. The book generally has a very 'American suburban middle class'-feel to it, which is quite alienating for a non-american student living in the city.
Although the conversational tone is good at times, other times it had me wishing the author would just get to the point.
A few good tips on growing conditions, but overall mostly disappointing.
July 21, 2017
Lots of good references in this book - both practical and spiritual, which was exactly what I needed. There are references for color correspondence, moon and astrology planting time correspondences, and practical advice about what should grow where, when it should be planted and how to deal with the fact that many publications only identify poisonous plants as witchy plants.
The only downside is the rhyming element of the spells - she admits its not her strong point and it's always best to personalize what you do, but I wish they had scanned as well as rhymed.
I'll definitely be using this as a resource when planning my garden and will probably by my own copy.
The only downside is the rhyming element of the spells - she admits its not her strong point and it's always best to personalize what you do, but I wish they had scanned as well as rhymed.
I'll definitely be using this as a resource when planning my garden and will probably by my own copy.
July 10, 2018
I checked this out from my library without knowing anything about it except the title. So, on the gardening side, I was very disappointed. I consider myself a fairly expert and fearless gardener and found nothing in this book to inspire me. I was very disappointed that there was not one photograph in the book at all. Illustrations of some of the plants mentioned would be helpful, but those were few and far between. The garden information was very, very basic. I know little about Pagan Witchcraft and found that information really not of interest to me.
January 26, 2018
This was one of my favorite books as a younger Pagan and I fully expect that I will revisit it someday.
I originally purchased this because I was interested in herbalism but I quickly discovered that this was a different sort of guide. I would read and re-read this book as a teenager and bemoan my lack of garden!
I originally purchased this because I was interested in herbalism but I quickly discovered that this was a different sort of guide. I would read and re-read this book as a teenager and bemoan my lack of garden!
November 23, 2018
I thought Ellen Dugan's insistence on artificial fertilizers and lack of natural living was wholly at odds with the philosophy of her book, which was more of less positive thinking with little intelligence to back it up. Cute but overall a disappointing read for those interested in any sort of natural spiritualism.
July 6, 2020
This book is very helpful. Even though there’s room for notes in the back of the book, I decided to write my notes elsewhere because there was soo many things I learned.
I don’t know it anyone else is familiar with the YouTuber “The Green Witch”, although they’re not related, they definitely remind me of each other.
Will be coming back to this in the future. 👍🏻
I don’t know it anyone else is familiar with the YouTuber “The Green Witch”, although they’re not related, they definitely remind me of each other.
Will be coming back to this in the future. 👍🏻
April 2, 2021
one of the first books i read about gardening and witchcraft, and i learned so much! she covers all the basics and a little more indepth ones to, you get lists of different correspondences, a lot off flowers, plants and herbs. and after reading the book you know how to start your own magickal garden. its an awesome book if youre intersted in plants and gardening in a more witchy way.
February 5, 2019
I bought this for a friend and read through it before gifting it. It was a fun and easy read that felt as though I was having tea with the author in her garden while she showed me around and explained why she had set things up the way she had.
May 14, 2020
Not really my cup of tea, but otherwise well written it is clear she is quite passionate about her herbal symbolism magic.
My main takeaway was Brownies and faery magic.
My main complaint is the lack of plant and animal communication, as well as the focus being ornamental rather than food.
My main takeaway was Brownies and faery magic.
My main complaint is the lack of plant and animal communication, as well as the focus being ornamental rather than food.
October 11, 2017
An interesting and educational read.
January 26, 2019
Loved this book!! Will definitely keep going back to it to help for tips on my yard❤❤❤
February 25, 2020
Another great garden/witchy book from Ellen Dugan. I love Ellen's sassy style and witty humor. Wouldn't miss an Ellen Dugan book.
June 23, 2021
One of the first magic books I bought. Lots of information about how to make magic gardens. Great if you live around Missouri, not as helpful if you live in Florida.
June 13, 2022
Great book for beginners
May 18, 2009
Adult/High School-With good-humored flair, Dugan offers a practical introduction to gardening that incorporates an eclectic blend of Wiccan and magical traditions. The author encourages readers to work hard to make the garden "a place where both our metaphysical and ordinary lives begin to thrive together." Outlining basic principles such as working with the directions and the elements, moon phases, and color, the author shows how this lore, rooted in a respect for nature, also forms the basis of good gardening practice. She offers succinct and useful information on a great variety of topics such as astrology, fairies, herbal spells and charms, crafts, and journaling, and on dealing with an equal variety of garden situations and types. Throughout, she suggests excellent sources for further information, including the Extension Service, the Poison Control Center, and the public library, and she offers an extensive bibliography (mostly of magic literature). The good advice and sound horticultural practice found here can help novices and/or budding garden witches to discover their own style and get off to a solid start, and can also enrich the experience of those who are already knowledgeable.
A wonderful book about "Garden Witchery". I learned a lot about flowers and their correspondences. Unfortunately I couldn't find nice tips and tricks for "Balcony Witchery" or what to do if you have vermin. But I guess for that you need a regular flower book. I also was a bit confused about the chapter of the sabbats. It was very interesting and I loved to read it, but it had almost nothing to do with flowers and gardens (except a few hints about her sabbat decorations outside...) But it's still a wonderful book and I can warmly recommend it!
A wonderful book about "Garden Witchery". I learned a lot about flowers and their correspondences. Unfortunately I couldn't find nice tips and tricks for "Balcony Witchery" or what to do if you have vermin. But I guess for that you need a regular flower book. I also was a bit confused about the chapter of the sabbats. It was very interesting and I loved to read it, but it had almost nothing to do with flowers and gardens (except a few hints about her sabbat decorations outside...) But it's still a wonderful book and I can warmly recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2011
The two best things about this book are:
1. It is full of practical gardening advice including zone ratings and lighting information for all the plants listed.
2. It has chart after chart of correspondences for the flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees she mentions.
I cannot wait for the winter to end so I can go play in my garden again!
1. It is full of practical gardening advice including zone ratings and lighting information for all the plants listed.
2. It has chart after chart of correspondences for the flowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees she mentions.
I cannot wait for the winter to end so I can go play in my garden again!
December 22, 2013
Ellen is a good writer that makes her books interesting, which in turn makes them easy to read even though they're guide books more than books one would read for pleasure. This book has a lot of relevant gardening information whether or not you follow her religion, and if you do follow her religion she has a lot of good spells and information for using herbs in your spells.
October 20, 2014
I feel this book was a good starter book for learning how to. I don't like that it was written in the form it was, like a fiction book. I think it should have had different chapters that were more with points and spells.
It is written as if you are listening to a person tell you all about things at a coffee table along with her own experiences.
Enjoy!
It is written as if you are listening to a person tell you all about things at a coffee table along with her own experiences.
Enjoy!
June 29, 2007
A wonderful reference for the gardening witch. There are sample garden layouts, information on both growing and using various and sundry plants, and just a wealth of information for green witches. I adore this book.
July 9, 2011
Ellen Dugan writes very sweet, very basic books on witchcraft. An excellent book for those who are very new to gardening and the craft but not a good supplement book for those who have a good understanding of the topic.
September 10, 2011
This was jam packed with great information. But I find it very hard to go back and reference things quickly when I need to refresh my memory. So I did like it, but somehow the organization of the book doesn't work for me.
June 18, 2012
i thought that this was a great book
full of useful information, ideas, spells and stories
if ur a witch who loves to garden or one that wants to get into gardening
then this would be a great book for u to add to ur collection
full of useful information, ideas, spells and stories
if ur a witch who loves to garden or one that wants to get into gardening
then this would be a great book for u to add to ur collection
March 19, 2014
a well written and informative book, a little to much to take in all at once for me. the beauty of a book like this is it sits on my bookshelf and gets picked up as a references when i start my planting in the garden and when i go to harvest for magical purposes
February 9, 2015
SO much great information, advice, ideas... I can't wait for this spring when I can start planting herbs! I bought this book after getting it at the library, since I can see myself referring to it over and over.
October 26, 2016
I gathered some good poetic quotes from centuries before, and a few correspondences, but I think her writing here is rather simplistic and scarce. I have higher standards in mind, but have made cute drawingings inspired by a few in book.
December 23, 2016
Excellent introduction to not only garden witchery, but starting your own garden as well. I cannot wait to begin come January to turn my yard into a sanctuary! Her stories were fascinating, and her information well-researched and tested.
Review on my blog coming soon...
Review on my blog coming soon...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews