Bloom where you're planted and flourish

Last weekend, while weeding all the garden beds, I found myself standing between the Sweet Annie (Artemesia annua), who stands about 7 feet plus, and the Elecampane (Inula helenium), who is at least 6-1/2 feet tall.

I felt just like Alice in Wonderland.

It's actually a pretty fun thing to be in the middle of such growth. These plants have self-seeded and I had no idea they would pop up where they did. Surprise!

Now, you know me (typical Virgo) ... I had to identify the lesson in this.

"Bloom where you're planted" (one of my touchstone phrases) immediately came to mind.

So, while Leo season (and the Lion's Gate alignment) is all about manifesting and growth (both spiritually AND in the gardens), I can't help but wonder -- where does flourishing fit in?

Here's what I came up with.

If we're open to a bit of nudging (what was that?) and redirection (ouch) and serendipity (ok, I get it) from the Universe, we can end up in the most beautiful places.

I started my first big girl job, fresh out of college (decades ago), as an editor and writer.

I then moved into a successful career as a designer and feng shui practitioner as a way to stay home with our son, Dylan. And for 20+ years my business was thriving and I was making people's homes happy.

But a few years ago, I felt the unmistakable nudge of "something more." And I let Spirit lead me.

I had NO idea that my love of gardens and all-things-energy would land me where I am right now. Smack dab in the middle of magic.

How lucky and blessed I am that I don't just grow my plants, but I get to listen to their souls and help spread their wisdom through Enchanted Botanicals.

As I head into the gardens this week to harvest a few things (a second round of Lemon Balm, more Anise Hyssop), I'm thinking more deeply about flourishing and what it takes to do that.

In the gardens that means extra water (Virginia summers are notoriously HOT HOT HOT) and a bit of organic fertilizer on the newer plants and the annuals.

But what will it take for ME to flourish?

What will it take for you?

Let's think about it and take steps to make it happen.