Planting A Moon Garden
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 4:14PM 
A night-blooming garden, referred to as a Moon garden, brings a magical concept in garden design. In the past, many gardens were created to be enjoyed by the light of the moon. These gardens were planted with flowers and foliage that reflect the moonlight, were usually scented, and perfect for evening walks or meditation.
In planting a Moon Garden, consider the lighting of the location so that trees or buildings don’t block the moonlight from your garden. Plant your garden in an area that’s easy and convenient to enjoy, and be sure to provide chairs or benches. A pond or a fountain adds the element of water for an even more relaxing experience.
You can add large quartz crystals, other white or silver stones, shells, coral, mirrors, statues, and other white or shiny objects to reflect moonlight.
Take into consideration how large your garden will be. If it’s a small moon garden, then you might consider putting in smaller plants that won’t get too big. If you have enough space, go ahead and put in some larger ones, and spacing them as you would any other garden.
If something gets too big, I simply move it. If a plant is too small and crowded by others, I’ll move it somewhere else. Don’t be afraid to move things around; gardening is about change.
Consider also the type of plants and where you are planting them in relation to the full sun during the day. Some may not be able to tolerate the direct sunlight.
Plants that bloom during different times over the season is also a good plan so you’ll always have something in bloom.
You’ll want your moon garden to be fragrant with night blooming plants, as well as visually beautiful under the moonlight. It’s surprising how many night-blooming plants there are to choose from.
Petunias open during the day, but they don’t release their scent until evening.
Four O’Clocks have a wonderful scent and bloom at night.
Nicotiana (flowering tobacco) has no scent during the day, but a delightful sweet scent at night.
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is a night-bloomer and releases a light lemon scent, but during the day the white flowers are tightly shut (moonflowers are poisonous if eaten so take care if children or pets will be near the plant).
Night Gladiolas’ scent is most potent at night.
Evening Primrose is a fast spreading perennial with pinkish-white flowers that open at dusk and release a sweet aroma.
Night Phlox open at dusk and have a fragrance like honey or vanilla.
Angel’s Trumpet is an annual vine with trumpet-shaped white flowers that bloom at night.
There are even some Daylilies that bloom at night; "Ice Dancer", "Nautical Nights" or "Alaskan Midnight" are excellent daylilies for a moon garden.
Sweet Bay tree and climbing Hydrangea also make nice additions to a moon garden.
White flowers and foliage seem to glow in the moonlight. You might want to add some silver or white plants and herbs to your Moon Garden, such as Dusty Millers, Silver Thyme, Artemisia, Lambs Ears, Silver Sage, Snowdrops, White Roses, White Tulips, White Bellflower, Shasta Daisies, English Lavender, Eucalyptus, Feverfew, variegated Hostas, or other plants with variegations or stripes. Also look for plants with unusual textures such as Horehound.
Most nurseries and garden centers will help you find the perfect plants for your moon garden.
Good luck on your journey creating your moon garden!
Reader Comments (3)
That sounds so fun and beautiful!! And of course the relaxing aromas can't be beat!!! :)
Cher, you always have such wonderful information! I learn something from you all the time. When all this "landscaping" junk is done, I can concentrate on real gardens and your website is the first place I'll come to. Thanks
Thanks Gina & Judy for your wonderful comments! It's what keeps me inspired to keep on writing. I love sharing information!