Cultivating Courage and Creativity
As July unfolds across the Pacific Northwest, the garden hums with warmth and momentum. Long days draw forth abundance, and the natural world seems to burn bright with life—unapologetically expressive, wildly generous, and filled with purpose. It is under this vibrant canopy of summer that we welcome the New Moon in Leo, arriving on July 24, inviting us to step into our own creative radiance with courage and heart.
The new moon marks a threshold—quiet, unseen, yet brimming with potential. It is a time to pause, breathe into the soil, and sow seeds of intention. And when the moon falls under the sign of Leo, as it does this month, we are called to cultivate not just the garden before us, but the garden within. Leo, ruled by the sun, beckons us to lead with warmth and boldness, to express our unique gifts, and to tend to what brings us joy.
This is a powerful moment for both inner and outer planting. In moon gardening traditions, the new moon phase is ideal for sowing seeds and initiating growth. Pairing this phase with Leo’s fire invites us to plant not only vegetables and flowers, but the seeds of self-expression, creativity, and love.
Two plants in particular echo this lunar moment beautifully:
Calendula officinalis (Mary's gold, common marigold, the pot marigold)
With its sun-kissed petals and persistent summer bloom, calendula is a beloved companion in both medicinal gardens and moonlit beds. It radiates Leo’s generous energy—offering healing, beauty, and nourishment in equal measure. Calendula petals are edible and soothing, adding brightness to both meals and salves. In the moonlight, their golden hues seem to glow from within, echoing the quiet promise of the new moon: that beauty will grow from intention.
Ocimum basilicum (Basil)
Basil, too, thrives in the heat and sings with Leo’s presence. Aromatic and lively, it brings an unmistakable vitality to the garden. Plant it near a path or patio to brush against as you pass, releasing its warm scent into the air—inviting presence, memory, and joy. In folklore, basil is a plant of love and prosperity, and it pairs beautifully with new moon intention-setting rituals. A sprig tucked behind the ear or into a bouquet might be all the reminder we need to lead with the heart.
And while the new moon offers a soft space for sowing, don’t forget to lift your gaze to the sky earlier in the month, on July 10, when the Buck Moon rises in fullness. Named for the season when young deer begin to grow their antlers, this full moon symbolizes strength, growth, and emergence—reminding us that even in stillness, something sturdy is always forming beneath the surface.
At Eco-Restore, we honor these seasonal and celestial rhythms. Our work is rooted in observation, intention, and relationship—with the land, the sky, and the people who call this region home. Whether you’re beginning a moon garden, dreaming up new plantings, or learning how to connect more deeply with your space, we’re here to walk the land with you—offering guidance rooted in ecology, wisdom, and care.
As the new moon returns this July, may you find the courage to plant what your heart most longs for. And may your garden reflect the light you carry, even when the moon is dark.
