Connecting to Nature

Yesterday marked the Lunar New Year, a time to renew and reconnect with nature’s rhythms. Across cultures and continents, this moment has long been used to align lives with the cycles of agriculture and nature, planting the seeds – both literal and figurative – for growth in the year ahead.

Did You Know?

🌙 The Lunar New Year and Agriculture

Many traditional calendars, including those of ancient China, were designed to guide farmers. The moon’s phases helped determine the best times to sow, water, and harvest crops. The New Year often marked the start of preparations for spring planting.

🌙 The Moon and Plant Growth

Lunar planting techniques remain popular with gardeners today, suggesting that leafy crops thrive during waxing moons, while root vegetables flourish during waning moons.

🌙 An Irish Connection

Here in Ireland, the late winter and early spring months hold special significance in the natural and farming calendar. February brings Imbolc, the ancient Celtic festival marking the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. It was traditionally a time for preparing fields, blessing seeds, and celebrating the first signs of spring.

🌙 Wildlife Resilience

Irish nature is already stirring as days lengthen. Snowdrops – often called ‘Candlemas Bells’—begin to bloom around this time, symbolising hope, purity, and renewal. Their association with St. Brigid’s Day (celebrated February 1st, marking the start of Imbolc) ties them to themes of fertility, growth, and harmony.

📖 The Almanac 2025:
Discover more about seasonal traditions, natural events, and gardening wisdom in The Almanac 2025, your guide to Ireland’s rhythms of nature. This month-by-month treasure includes moon phases, tide tables, folklore, seasonal recipes, and tips for living in harmony with the natural world.

Let’s celebrate the wisdom of nature and embrace the year ahead as a time of growth, renewal, and connection to the earth.

Julie

Get in touch
Website https://connectingtonature.ie/
Tel 051 552038
Email us info@connectingtonature.ie

RHSI,
Laurelmere Cottage,
Marlay Park,
Grange Road,
Rathfarnham,
Dubin 16,
D16 H9T4,
Ireland.

Tel: +353 1 493 7154
Email: info@rhsi.ie

Copyright © 2014 - 2025. RHSI. All rights reserved.

Registered Charity CHY4598 Founded in 1816
Privacy Policy