Pathways Toward Solstice
Wild Working Almanac
Mohawk River Trail
As spring days turn long here in this northern latitude, all manner of flora and fauna are making themselves known in the neglected garden here at the house in upstate New York (Zone 5). Sweet William in pink and red force themselves through the aggressive ground elder in the front, a delicate white iris and bloom of spiderwort say hello from the thicket in back. Some yarrow is unfurling in the edges of the lawn. I left a bit unmowed to see it bloom, common or colorful. I assessed the wild yard and aggressively mowed pathways into the mess of brambles, thinning them out, giving more strength to the ones left to stand. If these berries are as legendary and good as I have been told, I should at least be able to reach them. In bloom now the bumblebees visit each flower.
I aggressively mowed a couple of paths into the backyard thicket to create flow: air flow, a walking path and a place for the eye to go when I look out the kitchen window, and I’m pleased with the result. There are some good plants in there after all.
It is time for the “Chelsea chop,” to cut back by half, all those late bloomers so they stay upright while blooming late in the season: goldenrod, Joe Pye weed, cutler coneflower, Montauk daisy and aster.
Most of my time has been focused on creating a liveable interior on a shoestring, not an enjoyable or meaningful activity for me. The house that seemed to need a good cleaning and a coat of paint really needed so much more. I found a contractor who is actually a decent human being, giving me hope. With his help my kitchen is functional and I plan to cook decent vegetable laden food again. As in the movie “Super Size Me” it only took about 6 weeks of cheese and crackers, pbj’s and pizza to have bloodwork that frightened my doctor. A kitchen is important.
The farmers markets are just beginning to offer produce: this week lettuce, spinach and green onions. One evening I ate a big farmers market salad for dinner. I mandolined some red peppers from the supermarket for a bit of color and bite. On another evening I ate with a spoon a remarkable vegan carrot cake sweetened with pineapple purchased at one of the weekly markets. This year I will have to rely on the local farmers for my produce. This morning with the last quarter moon in Taurus, I found some kabocha squash seeds I saved from last years harvest. I am soaking them now and with any luck their vines will smother some lawn and weeds and grant me some tasty little pumpkins!
Scarlet runner beans, 2024
The people here seem to get a summertime madness since the winters are so long. They stay out late wearing almost nothing and bang on the door of the store where I work after we have closed. At 9:30pm there is still light in the western sky. No wonder they are feeling so alive.
I may have to finish painting and unpacking the kitchen but what I really dream about is where I will lay the moving box cardboard to incrementally smother the lawn, to lay the foundation of perennial beds. I plan to get some compost from the county to lay on top of the cardboard and arrange the sad divisions I took from my last garden. They are in pots in the shade waiting for their move in date. I recommend you check to see if your municipality offers free or low cost compost or mulch for homeowners. It has been a lifesaver at so many locations where I have worked the soil.
While looking through old photos (to show my new stylist a hair cut that worked) I found a picture from 5 years ago when I created the smothered lawn bed at my last house, and it gave me some hope. Patience.
Margaret Roach reminds us spring is just about over and it is time to “throw in the trowel.” Neither people nor transplants do well in July heat. An excellent window for planting comes later this week, though! It is the last chance for corn, beans and squash. Plan for it now.
Fleabane, an adorable native blooming right now.
Almanac:
June 13, 9:06am- June 15, 8:14am: A new moon in Gemini arrives on June 14 at 10:54pm The air sign of the twins is the current sun sign, and the moon passes in close proximity. Here we can make final plans before winding down spring planting activities. Gemini “the arms” are good for planting beans and vines. Scarlet runners are decorative, attract hummingbirds, offer decent fall green beans and huge delicious speckled dry beans.
June 15, 8:14am-June 17, 8:05am Planting Days! Waxing moon baby moon in first quarter Cancer gives us a supportive window of time to plant annuals, perennials, transplants, prune plants we wish to see thrive “Chelsea chop.” Irrigate and propagate. Cancer the most fertile of all the signs and the waxing moon collaborate to support a some productive spring planting.
June 17, 8:05am- June 19, 10:37am: Moon in first quarter in fire sign Leo offers no clear gardening support. While a waxing moon encourages growth, fire sign Leo is best for killing weeds.
June 19, 10:37am- June 21, 4:55pm: Moon in first quarter earth sign Virgo invites working with compost, mulch and mushrooms.
June 21, 4:55pm- June 24, 2:43: The moon grows into the second quarter in air sign Libra, the sign of flowers, fragrance and beauty.
Summer solstice Sun, Jun 21, 2026, 4:24 AM: Marks the longest hours of daylight in the northern hemisphere. Happy Solstice!