In the long light of early summer, gardens come alive with whispers—leaves that rustle with memory, petals that hold power. Across centuries, the wise women and cunning folk of villages past didn’t just grow food in their gardens. They grew protection. They grew healing. They grew spells.
A true witch’s garden wasn’t just beautiful—it was enchanted. Today, we step into that tradition and explore some of the most potent plants from folklore that you can grow yourself, even on a windowsill.
🌼 1. Lavender – The Shield of Serenity
Folk belief: Burned to ward off evil spirits and attract peaceful dreams.
Modern magic: Lavender is often used in spells for calm, clarity, and sleep.
Hang dried lavender near the front door to ward off negativity or place it under your pillow to invite prophetic dreams. In the past, people would weave lavender into garlands and wear them at midsummer to stay safe from fae mischief.
🌿 2. Rosemary – Remembrance and Protection
Folk belief: Carried at weddings, funerals, and festivals for memory and magic.
Modern magic: Used for cleansing, clarity, and courage.
Rosemary has long been associated with remembrance of the dead, and in folklore, it was often planted at the entrance of a home to keep evil out. Burn a sprig like incense to cleanse your space, or tuck it into a charm bag for personal strength.
🌸 3. Marigold – The Sun’s Flower
Folk belief: Thought to reveal faeries and protect against witchcraft (ironically).
Modern magic: Used in spells for psychic dreams and solar power.
Also known as “herb of the sun,” marigolds were placed in pillows or strewn on doorsteps. In some cultures, they were thought to reveal hidden truths when used in potions or tea (don’t try this unless it’s a culinary-safe variety!).
🌕 4. Mugwort – The Dream Herb
Folk belief: A favourite of wise women, used for divination and protection.
Modern magic: Burned before sleep for vivid dreams, and carried on journeys.
Associated with the Moon and the Crone, mugwort was tied around the waist at midsummer and then thrown into the fire to banish the past. Herbalists also used it to support women’s health. Today, it’s beloved for its dreamy energy—just handle it with care.
🖤 5. Black Hollyhock – The Witch’s Flower
Folk belief: Grown near cottages to hide magical workings from view.
Modern magic: Adds mystery and depth to your magical garden.
These towering beauties were believed to be the doorways to the faerie realm. Their deep colour was said to offer camouflage for rituals and shade for spirits. While less common now, growing one feels like planting an echo of another world.
🌿 Create Your Own Spellbound Space
You don’t need acres of land or a sprawling herb garden to begin. A window box, balcony planter, or tiny pot by the sink can be enough. Focus on plants that call to you—whether for their scent, colour, or history.
A simple herb spell for protection:
- Choose 3 herbs (e.g. rosemary, lavender, and mugwort).
- Tie them together with black or white thread.
- Hang near your door or window and whisper:
“By leaf and bloom, by root and thorn,
I guard this place from ill and scorn.”
🌱 Want to Know More?
- Visit a local garden centre and ask for heritage or heirloom varieties—some hold deeper ties to folklore.
- Read A Witch’s Guide to Wildcraft by JD Walker for more herbal history and safe foraging.
- Check out our upcoming downloadable Witch’s Garden Guide—coming soon to Haunted Wishes!
🪄 To grow a garden is to cast a slow, quiet spell. Let your herbs speak the old language—and listen closely.