Alyssum

 Lobularia maritima

Virgo

Alyssum

Sense of Order, Resilience

Alyssum, also known as Sweet Alyssum, is a low-growing, fragrant flowering plant native to Europe. It forms soft mounds 3–9 inches (7–23 cm) tall and can spread 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide. The plant produces tiny, clustered flowers—most often white, though pink, purple and cream varieties are also available. Each tiny flower has four petals; flowers have a sweet scent. Plants bloom from spring through fall, especially in cooler weather. 

The leaves are small, narrow, and gray-green. Alyssum is perennial in warm climates but is typically grown as an annual in colder regions. It thrives in full sun but also tolerates partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Known for its resilience, Alyssum tolerates poor soils, light frost, salty air, and even sandy beaches, making it especially suitable for coastal gardens. High heat and humidity in mid-summer may temporarily stop plants from blooming. 

Alyssum symbolizes resilience - the ability to thrive in harsh or shifting conditions without losing perspective or balance. The plants stop blooming when conditions become too extreme. Just as the plants conserve energy during peak heat, we can withdraw until conditions, although possibly still harsh, are once again supportive. Alyssum reminds us that while we may endure chaos, we can also discern which environments are simply too “hot” for growth. 

Shallow-rooted, fast-growing and easy to cultivate from seed, Alyssum often self-sows in garden beds. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies and makes an excellent companion plant in vegetable gardens. As a ground cover, it creates tidy borders and fills open spaces evenly, lending a sense of order to garden designs.

People drawn to Alyssum tend to bloom steadily through adversity, offering order and direction in times of disorder. Others may be naturally attracted to them—just as pollinators are to Alyssum—because of the stability and order they bring. Picture the person calmly directing traffic at a chaotic event, guiding cars into neat rows, or the greeter helping people find their way through a busy venue. Yet Alyssum also reminds us: if conditions become too overwhelming—like a crowd turning unruly—we can easily self-sow to begin again somewhere else. 

Physical plant characteristics also are guidelines to the spirit of Alyssum. Flowers have four petals: the number four symbolizes stability, security and direction, supporting Alyssum's themes of order and resilience. Flowers are primarily white which is associated with Archangel Gabriel, who symbolizes purity and has the role of messenger. Meditating or reflecting on the number four and/or asking for assistance from Archangel Gabriel may be helpful when exploring current challenges, especially when determining when your environment becomes too "hot" and next steps are needed.   

The plant contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been used in folk remedies as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic, often given as a tea. In ancient Greek medicine, the name “Alyssum” (“a-lyssum”) meant “without madness,” and the plant was believed to calm emotional imbalances, especially anger.  In folk medicine, Alyssum was used to treat animal bites.

Clover

Trifolium repens

Aries 

Natural cycles

Sustainability

Clover is a small perennial plant that has three leaves and is often found in meadows, lawns and pastures. It is a common name for plants in the genus Trifolium, which means "three-leaved". Some clovers have the rare four leaf structure, which are considered to be a symbol of good luck. Plant leaves are oval shaped and are typically green with a faint, lighter green or white "V" or crescent pattern near the base. Clover contributes to sustainability of nearby plants: flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen, which attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The presence of clover increases pollination rates for surrounding crops.

Clovers are generally low-growing plants. White clover, for example, tends to spread along the ground, creating a dense mat. Red clover is more upright and can reach heights of up to 20-30 inches (50-75 cm). Clover likes moist, cool climates with well-drained soil.

Clover plays a beneficial role in sustainable agriculture, soil health and biodiversity. Clovers are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which enhances soil fertility.  Clovers convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enriching the soil. Clover's dense root system helps stabilize soil and reduces erosion. Clover is a high-protein, palatable forage for livestock. It can be grazed or harvested for hay. 

Clover represents sustainability for the earth, for animals, and ultimately for people. Clover is a benefit for the earth: it enhances soil nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Future crops planted in the same soil benefit from the enriched nitrogen, providing food for animals and people. Clover is often used to restore nutrients in soil that housed nutrient-draining crops. Clover also suppresses weeds naturally. 

Clover is easy to grow - it will germinate from seed thrown on the ground. 

Clover provides a nutrient-rich food source for domesticated and wild animals. It assists in the food chain: cattle, sheep, goats and horses graze on clover in pastures or eat it in hay. Rabbits, deer, groundhogs and wild turkeys also eat clover. 

Clover fits into the cycles of support for animals and our growing cycles. People with a passion for clover may find they also easily fit into working in areas of nature of with part of natural cycles.

Well known species of Clover:

• White Clover (Trifolium repens): A low-growing perennial plant with white or pinkish flowers, commonly found in lawns and pastures. It's often used as a ground cover due to its ability to spread quickly.
• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Taller than white clover, this species has red or purple flowers and is often grown as a fodder crop for livestock or as a cover crop to improve soil health.
• Lesser Trefol (Trifolium dubium): Native to Europe and is often considered the plant representing the Irish Shamrock. Produces tiny yellow flowers.
• Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum): Known for its vibrant crimson flowers, this clover is frequently used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.

 Four leaf clovers are a genetic anomaly. Chances of finding one are one in 5,000 to 10,000.