Welcome to May, the month that celebrates moms and flowers, wraps up the school year, launches graduates of all ages and stages, and inaugurates summer with its exit. May 1st, or May Day is the second cross-quarter day of the year, traditionally known as Beltane and celebrated as a time of fertility and growth. But beyond the cultural observances and celebrations, what is May? In this episode, Mary talks about low waste alternatives in a season of high consumption, bee swarm season, and gardening by the signs of the moon. She also talks about how all the celebrations of May can be complicated, stressful and sad for some people, how to embrace slow living through this busy time as a means of self care, and how to find your May, the one that brings you the joy of flowers and warmer days. Don't miss the recipe for strawberry kefir, a delicious probiotic treat. And don't forget to order your seeds and organic fertilizers using the discount codes below!
A few highlights from this episode…
Our cultural observances of May
Beltane and the May of ancient traditions
May can be a difficult time for many
Bee swarm season
Honey bees and our food system
How to make changes in a season of high consumption
Outdoors over stores!
Gardening by the Signs of the Moon and low waste gardening check-in
Finding your May
What are some ways we can embrace slow living through this season in a meaningful way without being overtaken by all the busyness of the month's cultural celebrations?
Spending the night carousing in the woods is definitely still an option, but many of us might prefer something a little more tame. Personally, I like to simply set aside the time for gathering a few blooms and branches for an arrangement or hosting an informal get together to celebrate the warming weather.
Including a bonfire as part of the celebration is a direct connection to those who came long before us, yet shared the same hope and joy in the coming of the season of abundance as we do today. So, what is your May? is there some memory or experience that you can claim that brings you wonder and amazement?
Read more about Slow Living Through the Seasons here: https://ladyfarmer.substack.com/t/seasonal-living
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May's Flower Moon will reach its peak around 9:53 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 23, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
From the Seasonal Kitchen
Recipe: Strawberry Kefir
Kefir! It’s the superfood you need to know about, a rich, creamy probiotic beverage with the consistency of drinkable yogurt but with many times more nutrients. If you haven’t discovered it yet, then read on. You’re in for a treat! Kefir is an easy, affordable and delicious way of boosting your immune system. Besides being packed with nutrients, it’s a powerhouse of probiotics. These are the good organisms that are essential to our health, the ones that help us fight off dangerous infections. They proliferate everywhere inside our bodies and in the world around us. But with the widespread use of antibiotics, hand sanitizers and a multitude of other practices meant to keep us healthy by reducing harmful bacteria, we’ve actually been removing many of the body’s own best defenses and have created a widespread health problem. Because antibiotics and disinfectants work against both the good and the bad bacteria, the natural balance of our microscopic universe is disrupted and we become vuln…
In the garden
Find your hardiness zone by referencing the 2023 Updated USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ and use our May Planting by the Signs Calendar as a guide!
See you next month!
Mary
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