This month’s full Pink Moon will not likely appear pink when you look at it even when at its peak at 7:49 p.m. EDT.
The name refers to the pink phlox flowers that are blooming at the same time the moon is at its peak. Gardeners will know this beautiful, low (10 cm tall) creeping perennial flower, Phlox subulata (commonly called creeping phlox or moss phlox), as a true garden gem with tiny leaves and masses of brightly coloured flowers.
More about phlox: The popular flower blooms for 3-4 weeks every spring and has small needle-like leaves that stay green in the garden for most of the year. If you are looking for an easy-to-grow, deer-resis-
tant, salt-tolerant spring bloomer, this is the plant for you.
It’s interesting to note that the fourth full moon of the year is known as the Sucker Moon. According to the teachings of the 13 Grandmother Moons and the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition, Sucker Moon comes from when sucker goes to the Spirit World to receive cleansing techniques for this world. When it returns to this
realm, it purifies a path for the Spirits and cleanses all our water beings.
During this time we can learn to become healed healers.
Gardening By the Moon
Some people plant during moon cycles because they believe the moon’s gravitational pull influences plant growth.
Planting according to the moon’s phases, such as during the waxing or full moon, enhances seed germination and promotes stronger root development, potentially leading to healthier and more abundant crops.
While scientific evidence supporting these beliefs is limited, lunar planting practices continue to be followed by some gardeners.
One of Canada’s foremost writers and educators on astronomical topics, the Almanac has benefited from Robert’s expertise since its inception. Robert is passionate about reducing light pollution and promoting science literacy. He has been an astronomy instructor for our astronauts and he ensures that our section on sunrise and sunset, stargazing, and celestial events is so detailed and extensive it is almost like its own almanac.
