DO YOU HAVE THE LUCK OF THE IRISH?

St Patrick's Day is just around the corner which took my mind to pondering about some of the herb myths I had heard over the years.  How could we experience the "luck of the Irish" other than winning the Irish Sweepstakes or the lottery?  I envisioned if we planted the correct plants, maybe we would experience some added fortitude and with some luck--a little fortune.  Maybe four leaf clovers aren't the only plant that can bring luck.

Basil is used for success, prosperity, protection, peace, happiness, tranquility, purification and love. Originally herbalists believed basil "mollifieth the belly, breedeth winde, provoketh urine, drieth up milke and is of hard digestion."  Later herbalist, Gerard taught that the smell of basil is "good for the heart and for the head and that the seed takes away sorrowfulness".  It grows here, but not just yet.

Chamomile has been used in teas and cosmetics for over 5,000 years to promote vitality, longevity and tranquility.  I need to plant a big plot of chamomile.

Cinnamon is used for success, healing, action, energy, protection, prosperity, love and purification.  You're right, it doesn't grow here but you could go to the spice shop and buy a few sticks.

Clove (Syzgium aromaticum) is one of the most well-utilized and loved spices in the entire world.  In Chinese medicine, it was considered to possess aphrodisiac characteristics.  It is also a symbol of luck and wishes and is a potential talisman to carry.  Clove can be used to enhance love, sexual and sensual feelings while providing protection.  It is also used for treating halitosis and tooth decay.  What a contrast!   No, it doesn't grow here but you could always make a little packet of whole cloves to carry.

Ginger is loaded with bioactive plant compounds and nutrients which have strong benefits to the body.  The root can also be used to attract money and to protect from evil spirits.  According to an article I have in my Bits & Pieces file, ginger an be propagated using a fresh root from the supermarket.  Select plump, firm-skinned rhizome and cut into one to one-and-one half inch pieces provided you are able to leave at least one "eye" or growing point on each segment.  Allow the cut surface to dry for a few days before planting in a container.  Planting should be at an inch deep.

Ginger will grow in locations receiving two to four hours of full sun.   I won't be planting it to reap a harvest, but rather  to encourage some extra dollars to pass over my threshold.

This myth was new to me.  Irish moss is carried or placed beneath rugs to ensure a good flow of money into the pockets of the person, as well as to increase good luck.  I had some years ago but it didn't do well where I had it planted.  Maybe I should have just placed it under the kitchen throw rug.

Take a few poppy seeds and place them in your pocket or purse to attract financial abundance and good luck.  The poppy flower is a well-known symbol of remembrance for war veterans.

Rosemary was considered sacred and was deemed to grow only in the gardens of the righteous.  The herb is used for protection, healing, love, purification, strength, mental clarity and memory.  It was traditionally planted near a door.  Mine is planted in my greenhouse, maybe that is why my mental clarity fails at times--the plant is too far away, I'm not coming in contact with it every day.

Violets can create an atmosphere of honesty and trust as well as it protects against deception.  That thought deserves some serious considerations.

I have given you some ideas on how to create your own "Luck of the Irish".  Give them some thought--who knows?

Check out Gardening: Get Good at It "Summer Bulbs to Plant Now" segment March 17 on KPOV 88.9 FM between 9-9:30 am