Full Crow and Worm Moon

I first learned of the tradition of giving names to the full moons only a few years ago. First Nations peoples gave the phases of the moons names to help track the seasons and the early colonialist adopted the practice. It feels so right and logical; my feeling of connectedness to this place on the earth is intensified when I think of what happens in each month and the name of the moon.

The March full moon occurs twice this month – on the 2nd of March and again on the 31st. It is called the Full Worm Moon or the Full Crow Moon. The ground begins to soften and earthworms may make an appearance, while the cawing of crows signals the end of winter. It is hard to know with our changing climate if this will be the case every year. Now nearing the end of March, it certainly seems that warm temperatures in February caused an early melt, leaving the earth exposed here and there to the sun. March is a time when the light begins to change and the shift toward warmer weather is real.

Here at South Pond, we honour the full moons, and treat them as a time of celebration – which means delicious food, appreciation, and respect for the land, the gardens, and the harvests to come. We also acknowledge the important role the moon plays in our gardening choices; a full moon is an optimal time for planting, as moisture is pulled to the surface from water sources deep within the earth, creating a rich, moist environment for seeds. Even now, as I write this, with the earth still frozen, we’re grateful for the melting snow that goes into the soil and will bring bounty later in the season. Our seeds are waiting for early planting in the greenhouse next week and already lettuce leaves are peaking through in the hoop house.

Our First Full Moon Supper held outside is the Full Flower Moon at the end of May. It is a celebration of the flowers that begin to appear in our gardens and in the forest. So many of them are edible and we incorporate them into each of the courses we serve at our dinners: chèvre truffles coated with Johnny jump ups; chive blossoms are a spicy surprise in a salad; early sweet woodruff infused wine. So many possibilities.

Our suppers are held outside under the full moon on long tables with seasonal flowers decorating the tables. A fire nearby provides warmth on a cool evening, and it’s where we serve a soup or canapé – it truly is a magical experience. The full moon sets the tone of the month and inspires me in all that we do here on the farm, from planting and harvesting, to creating delicious menus for our guests. I hope you will be able to join us!

Full Moon Supper line up this summer is:

May 29 |  Flower Moon

June 29 |  Strawberry Moon

July 27 |  Buck Moon

August 26 |  Sturgeon Moon

September 24 |  Harvest Moon

October 26 | Hunter Moon

photo credit: Kim Magee Photography