Growing by the Stars

Written by Lynn Pitts

Believe it or not, there are zodiac star signs for gardeners. I’m not talking about literal translations—no huge crab topiaries or lion statues. This is about defining our gardens with the characteristics associated with a particular sign. Imagine a private retreat for shy Virgo; a sanctuary for Cancer, who loves to cocoon; a “garden room” with a view for restless Sagittarius. You might emphasize the colors (or attributes) related to a sign—deep shades of red for passionate Scorpios; greens and blues for watery Pisces; copper for Taurus; tropical for Capricorn; royal purples for Leo. This is something to have a little fun with.

First of all, it’s helpful to know that the 12 zodiac signs are divided into four elements: fire for Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius; earth for Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn; air for Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius; and water for Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Fire sign people tend to gravitate towards gardens with sunny patios and outdoor entertaining areas. Earth sign people prefer functional gardens with specific areas set aside for fruit, vegetable, and flower growing. Air sign people, being true romantics, will include arbors and scented flowers. Water people will be the first to install fountains, birdbaths, and ponds in their gardens.

Did you know there are star sign plants? Here’s a thumbnail sketch of each horoscope sign. Maybe you’ll get a few ideas and be inspired to grow your own personal sign of the zodiac this summer.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Known as fiery characters with a bit of wild flair, Aries is one hot star sign. Their plants are hot peppers, mint, geraniums, bean, and hops. Aries enjoy being surrounded by red and yellow flowers.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

The determined Bull will have a conservative or more traditional garden. Trees that bear fruit in one area, hybrid tea roses planted all together in another section, and, of course, a separate veggie garden with cucumbers, onions, and pumpkins being their horoscope plants.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

This sign approaches gardening intellectually and instinctively understands the merits of a versatile garden; one that can do double-duty. A Twin sign will inter-mix herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. One Gemini favorite is an orange tree with lavender planted underneath.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Home-loving Crabs are very protective of their gardens. They’ll grow okra as a hedge and morning glories as a screen. Fiercely patriotic, the summer Cancer flower garden will be red, white, and blue. But you may not view it, as it’ll be behind a fence.

LEO (July 23-August 22)

Larger than life, Leo gardens have lots of “bling.” Gigantic sunflowers, moonflower vines, and big tomatoes compete with every inch of space to grab your attention. Even the weeds in a Leo garden are lion-sized.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22)

Modest, practical, and tidy, Virgo gardens spotlight small flowers, particularly blue and yellow. Their chrysanthemums and asters will be neatly staked and their melons tied up in pantyhose slings above the dirty ground.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22)

The tasteful Libran garden will feature classic plants in pastel colors. Old-fashioned roses, gardenias, daisies, and tuberoses will greet the visitor. They’ll grow corn for the perfect symmetry of its kernels, carrots for the beauty of its leafy tops.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21)

The intense magnetism of the secretive Scorpio’s nature will be found in their choices of color more than the plants. They’ll grow deep red hibiscus, maroon colored roses, berries, and figs. Rumor has it their flower is the Venus flytrap.

SAGITARIUS (November 22-December 21)

The honest, straightforwardness of a Sag garden will demonstrate low maintenance. This is because Sagittarians always have their bags packed ready to travel. They’ll grow potatoes, camellias, and ornamental grasses. Always the optimist, only a Sag will succeed in growing clematis in Bakersfield.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19)

The ambitious Capricorn favors plants that work as hard as they do. Ivy and willow are in the Goat sign, for example. A Capricorn garden will highlight rocks and boulders in a dry stream bed.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18)

Original, independent, and outgoing, Aquarians have a natural eye for focal points in their gardens. Bird of Paradise is an Aquarian plant. Pomegranates are another. True Aquarians will have a water feature to attract birds and butterflies.

PISCES (February 19-March 20)

Emotional and sensitive, this sign enjoys planting in groups or “schools.” Their quite obvious star sign flower is the water lily. But they’re happy with anything growing near water. Mosses, orchids, and willows thrive under a Piscean gardener.

The above is meant to amuse you. If you or your loved one relates to any of these star signs, go for it...horticultural speaking.

And since L-O-V-E is in the air at this “Valentiney” time of the year, let’s discuss roses. I once read a book called The Flower Game, which asked a few hundred celebrities to list their 10 most favorite flowers in order of preference. Roses won hands down. We all know how easy it is to grow beautiful roses in Bakersfield. After all, millions of roses are born in Kern County and shipped all over the country. There’s a color, size, and variety for every sign of the zodiac.

There are old Garden Roses and modern roses, which include Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, and Polyanthas. Old Garden Roses or OGRs have quite a history. Basically, OGRs are any of the many classes of roses existing before the introduction of “La France” in 1867. This date was chosen because “La France” is accepted as being the first of the modern Hybrid Tea Roses. So now you know the difference between OGRs and modern roses! Who else would tell you these things?

Don’t weddings and roses just seem to go together? For anyone planning a wedding this year or living in “Great Expectation,” it’s never too early to start thinking about the flowers. Whether inside or out, do not skimp on flowers! Decide first on your theme from which all else will flow. The bride’s dress and bouquet usually set the tone. I believe a professional florist should provide, at the very minimum, all personal flowers—meaning the bride’s and bridesmaid’s bouquets. Do consider lighting when choosing colors. What looks great in natural light may not under artificial light and vice versa.

Since the custom of throwing rice is so last century, why not consider throwing colorful dried flower petals? Simply ask friends and family to collect petals as they deadhead plants in their garden. Roses, larkspur, bachelor buttons, marigolds, and violets dry beautifully; just spread the petals out on sheets of newspaper in a cool, dry area. Next, package up in small cellophane treat bags (found in arts and crafts stores), tie with coordinating ribbon, and voilà! A “green” solution to throwing rice.

And don’t forget your favorite Pisces gardener this month. Gift them with a bird bath and a pair of plastic fish.

Happy Horoscope Gardening!

Article appeared in our 26-6 Issue - February 2010

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