Astrology: Planning Your Garden by Zodiac Sign

With summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time to start planning your garden by Zodiac sign! Astrology teaches us that each of the twelve signs of the Zodiac has specific flowers, shrubs, and trees associated with that sign. While these specific associations can differ between Astrology experts, many are commonly and widely accepted as being symbolic of--or "ruled" by-each individual Zodiac Sign.

When looking for inspiration for your next summer garden, Astrology can provide a unique and highly personal way to customize a space in your home's landscape. Creating a space dedicated to your Zodiac Sign can provide everything from interesting conversation with guests, a sense of recognition for your individual Astrology, or even a wonderful way to blend your Sun Sign with that of your spouse and/or children!

As always, be sure to check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for your individual Zone; each plant, shrub, and tree has a recommended range of zones for optimal planting and longevity. While orchids are gorgeous, they simply won't lend beauty for very long to a garden in Montana! The National Gardening Association website has a wonderful Zone look-up map and a catalog of plants all searchable by hardiness zone, plant type, light level and more.

Zodiac Sign: Aries (3/21-4/19)

The Ram is associated with intense, energetic people who both work hard and play hard. This Zodiac Sign is ruled by Mars, a fiery and impulsive Planet, and much of their symbolic plants are either potent in scent or bear thorns. Most Astrology experts agree that their hallmark flower is the Honeysuckle; a fragrant, charming flower with reaching and grasping vines-a perfect representation of the need Aries feel to grow and succeed. Other flowers include the Thistle, Tiger Lily, Peppermint and Geranium; thorn-bearing trees and shrubs also fall under the Domain of Aries.

Zodiac Sign: Taurus (4/20-5/20)

The Bulls, who are an Earth-element Sign ruled by the lovely and gracious planetary ruler Venus, have a vast assortment of plants and flowers in their Domain. They share ruler-ship by Venus with Libra, and both signs have varying degrees of romantic undertones present in their associations. Because of this, Astrology experts are at odds about the hallmark flower for Taurus; both Roses and Lilies are most often featured as such, though both Poppies and Iris have also been tapped for the symbolic role. Daisies, Violets, Columbine and Foxglove are also attributed to the Zodiac Sign of Taurus, and fruit-bearing trees such as Apple, Pear, Fig, and Crab Apple are also under the domain of Taurus.

Zodiac Sign: Gemini (5/21-6/20)

Gemini, also known as The Twins, is a Mercury-ruled, highly intellectual and mentally busy sign of the Zodiac. They can also be fickle and flighty, and many of the flowers under the Astrology domain of Gemini carry-over into other Signs as well. The hallmark flower for Gemini is the Lily-of-the-valley, with Lavender also frequently attributed to this Air Sign. Ferns of many varieties are also commonly given unto the Domain of Gemini, including maidenhair and myrtle. Orchids, which are the hallmark flower of Aquarius, are also present; as are Chrysanthemums, Lilacs, Azaleas and Nut-bearing trees.

Zodiac Sign: Cancer (6/21-7/22)

Ruled by the Moon, the Crabs are an emotional and sensual people who most often appreciate the beauty and poetry of flowers in their homes and gardens. A customized Zodiac garden can be the perfect retreat for Cancer to relax and unwind! The hallmark flower of Cancer is Bear's breeches--also known as Acanthus--which is a tall, shiny-leaf plant resembling the thistle. Morning glories, Lilies, Water Lilies and Lotus blossoms are all under the Domain of the Crabs, and any white-petal flowers can be attributed to this Moon-ruled Zodiac Sign. The more open and breathtakingly white the flower, the closer the association to Cancer and the Moon.

Zodiac Sign: Leo (7/23-8/22)

Leo, also know as the Lion, is ruled by the Sun and the plants within the Domain of this Zodiac Sign are appropriately bright and sunny. Leo is a passionate, fiery Sign full of love and affection-and pride. A gorgeous garden full of enviable, fickle flowers which require care and attention is perfect for a Lion. Their hallmark flower is the Sunflower, fittingly enough; other flowers in their Domain include the Marigold, Celandine, Passion Flower, Rosemary, Dahlia and Aster. Palm, Bay/Laurel, Olive and Citrus trees are all also associated with this Zodiac sign.

Zodiac Sign: Virgo (8/23-9/22)

Virgo, another Earth Sign of the Zodiac who is also ruled by clever Mercury, has many popular and hearty flowers under their Domain. Virgos are associated with perfection-seeking, goal-oriented people with an eye for detail and an organizing mind. Their dedication to the specifics in life have gained them the hallmark flower of Narcissus, named for the Greek God who gazed into a pond to fall in love with his own reflection. All brightly colored, small-blossom flowers are under the Domain of The Virgins, especially those of a blue or yellow variety. Chrysanthemum, Aster, and Morning Glories are all attributed to Virgo, as is the Cherry tree.

Zodiac Sign: Libra (9/23-10/22)

The people of the Scales, who share ruler-ship under Venus with Taurus, have a wide array of beautiful flowers under their Domain. Libras are a romantic, beauty-oriented people who enjoy surrounding themselves with stunning blossoms for inspiration and appeal; a personalized garden is ideal for their relaxation. Most Astrology experts agree that large Roses are the hallmark flower of Libra; Hydrangeas are the second most popular symbolic flower for this balance-seeking, relationship-minded Sign. Asters, Daisies, Mint and blue flowers are all attributed to Libra, as are the Ash, Poplar and Plum trees.

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio (10/23-11/21)

Intense and provocative Scorpio shared ruler-ship with Aries under the fiery and impulsive Mars until the discovery of distant and frigid Pluto. But beneath their often intimidating exterior is often the heart of a romantic, and the Scorpions often respond to the beauty and serenity of flowers instinctively. Their hallmark blossom is the Rhododendron, though Chrysanthemum is also often attributed to them by Astrology experts. Additional flowers under their Domain include the Geranium, Holly, Black-eyed Susan, Gardenia, Anemone, Heather, and even the spiny Cactus. Their trees include the Yew, Blackthorn, and any "bushy" trees.

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius (11/22-12/21)

Sagittarius the Archer is ruled by clever Jupiter, and is a Zodiac sign of intelligent and philosophical people who think for themselves and walk to the beat of their own drummer. Their hallmark flower is the pink Carnation, though many Astrology experts put any pink-blossom flower under their Domain. Further flowers include the Dandelion, Peony, Thistle, Clematis, Moss, and Sage; trees associated with this Zodiac sign are Lime, Birch, Mulberry, Oak, Ash, and Chestnut in addition to Blackberry bushes. However, Sagittarius more than most Zodiac signs might benefit from merely choosing whatever flowers cater to their independent whims at the time!

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn (12/22-1/19)

Saturn-ruled Capricorn is the Zodiac sign of the Sea-Goat, a creature forever tied to the waters who is still determined to scale the mountain of success. They are the final Earth sign, and their flower association is appropriately large just as with Taurus and Virgo. A proud people who enjoy being admired, a personalized garden specific to Capricorn is a charming way to have a unique and envied lawn! Their hallmark flower is Ivy, the creeping and determined little vine a perfect plant for their Domain. Additional flowers include the Heartsease, Love-lies-bleeding, Pansy, Baby's Breath, Hemp and Knap Weed. With more trees than most Zodiac signs, Capricorn has the following under their Domain: Magnolia, Pine, Elm, Yew, Willow, Aspen, Poplar and Hemlock.

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius (1/20-2/18)

My own Zodiac Sign, Aquarius is ruled by the erratic and eccentric genius Uranus. Water Bearers, who are associated with individuality and unique creative expression, are a perfect example of gardeners who might enjoy a customized landscape. Our Hallmark flower is the Orchid, though some Astrology experts argue the Solomon's seal should be primary blossom of Aquarius. While the Orchid is too exotic for most Hardiness zones to be planted outside, our Domain also includes the Golden Rain, Goldenrod, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Bird of Paradise, Gladiolus, and Trillium. The trees for the Water Bearer include Kiwi, Elderberry, Olive and Alder.

Zodiac Sign: Pisces (2/19-3/20)

The twelfth and final sign of the Zodiac is Pisces, the Fish. Ruled by emotional and abstract Neptune, and the Fish are both thoughtful and clever, and often psychic or keenly intuitive. They appreciate the power in symbolism, and a personalized Astrology-based garden is a wonderful way for them to express that trait. Their hallmark flower is appropriately the Water Lily, with additional flowers of Poppy, Rhubarb, Yarrow, Clematis, Wisteria, Lilac, and occasionally Orchid. Trees growing near water are always under the Domain of Pisces, especially Willow and Fig trees.

Sources:
USDA, "Plant Hardiness Zone Map"
National Gardening Association, "Gardening Resources"
Julia & Derek Parker, "Flowers and Plants by Zodiac Sign" AOL