Moon Gardens: A Serene Oasis for Nighttime Enjoyment
Imagine having a beautiful garden that you can enjoy even after the sun goes down. Moon gardens are designed to be enjoyed by the light of the moon, or at nighttime. They feature white or lightly colored blooms that open at night, plants that release sweet fragrances at night, and/or plant foliage that adds a unique texture, color, or shape at night.
What to Plant in a Moon Garden
When selecting plants for your moon garden, look for varieties that:
- Reflect moonlight: White blooms, such as moonflower, nicotiana, and petunia, will pop out against the darkness.
- Release sweet fragrances: Night-blooming jasmine, petunia, and Sweet Autumn clematis attract nighttime pollinators and add a relaxing ambiance.
- Add interesting shape and texture: Plants with blue, silver, or variegated foliage, such as Artemisia, blue fescue, and variegated hosta, reflect the moonlight and create visual interest.
How to Design a Moon Garden
- Choose the right location: Select a site that is easy to access at night, near a deck, patio, or large window.
- Consider moonlight exposure: Pay attention to where moonlight floods your garden and how it casts shadows. Unique shadows can add appeal to your moon garden.
- Incorporate other elements: Add reflective gazing balls, glow-in-the-dark pots, strings of lights, and spotlights to enhance the nighttime ambiance.
- Use white rocks: White rocks can illuminate beds or walkways in the darkness.
- Add water features: A trickling water feature or pond with croaking bullfrogs can create a peaceful soundscape.
Tips for Creating a Budget-Friendly Moon Garden
- Start small: Begin with a small flowerbed and gradually expand your garden as desired.
- Use inexpensive plants: Many moon garden plants, such as moonflower and nicotiana, are readily available and affordable.
- Repurpose items: Use old pots, jars, or other containers for your plants.
- Incorporate natural elements: Add rocks, stones, and driftwood to your garden for a natural touch.
Best Moon Garden Plants
- White blooms: Moonflower, nicotiana, mock orange, petunia, night blooming jasmine, cleome, Sweet Autumn clematis
- Fragrant blooms: Night-blooming jasmine, petunia, Sweet Autumn clematis
- Unique foliage: Artemisia, blue fescue, juniper, variegated hosta
Enjoying Your Moon Garden
Spend time in your moon garden on warm summer nights, relaxing and enjoying the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. Moon gardens offer a unique and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you have a large elaborate garden or just a small flowerbed, you can create a beautiful and inviting moon garden that will bring you joy for years to come.
