JULY

July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It was the fifth month in the early calendar of the ancient Romans. The Romans called the month Quintilius, which means fifth. Its name was changed to Julius (July) in honour of Julius Caesar who was born in this month.

Gardens should explode with colour this month! July is often one of the hottest and driest months so alot of time may be spent watering the garden.

July 1st is a time of celebration in Canada. HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Start the month of July with a fun day of building scarecrows. The First Sunday in July is 'Build a Scarecrow Day.' The Scarecrows ragged figure has been recorded in rural history for centuries. Scarecrows are also known as ~ Jacks-of-straw, Hodmedod - with hat and stick , and Tattybogles. Scarecrows are usually used in harvest displays and fall decorations. With the crops growing in gardens and fields during the summer months, nows a good time to have a ‘guardian of the crops’. Build a raggy Scarecrow and stick him in your veggie patch to help stop those greedy birds from stealing the garden bounty!

July’s flower is the Larkspur - (Consolida ajacis) Many of us may remember larkspur growing in our Grandparents gardens, a charming old fashioned favourite. The larkspur has often shared its identity with the delphinium. They are close relatives, and are separated by the fact that larkspur are annual plants while delphiniums are perennials. The Larkspur is also more dainty than the related delphinium, larkspur produces beautiful blooms in a variety of shades of  blue, purples, lilac, white, rose and pink, on tall stems with finely cut feathery foliage.  The larkspur’s name refers to its appearance, to some, the blossom resembles the claw of a bird. Other names ~ lark’s heel, lark’s claw and knight’s spur. Larkspur is a poisonous plant, and should be planted with care.

The Full Moon is given a name each month representative of the season. It is not uncommon for a particular moon to have multiple names. These special monthly names for the full moons go back to ancient cultures, who tied the full moons to hunting, weather, planting and harvesting cycles of the year.

July's full moon is commonly known as the Full 'Hay Moon' because it's around this time that farmers harvest, bale and stow hay for the winter. Other names include 'Thunder moon' because thunderstorms are relatively common at this time of year. It's also known as the  'Buck Moon'  because the lunar event corresponds to the season when male deer grow new antlers. Old Celtic and Medieval names for the July moon, include, Claiming Moon,  Wyrt or Herb Moon. The Chinese people have beautiful and ancient names for their Moons. Their July Moon is known as ~ The Hungry Ghost Moon

"Hot July brings cooling showers,
Apricots and gillyflowers."
 ~  Sara Coleridge

Enjoy some juicy Apricots 

D MOSS