How to Plant a Moon Garden

Plants and Shrubs that Make a Statement After Dark

© Teresa Shaw

Nov 11, 2008
Plant a Moon Garden with Impact, D. McPherson
Night owls and day birds alike will enjoy a night blooming garden, rich with bright white flowers and fragrant flowers that glow in the moonlight.

A night blooming moon garden can be a beautiful addition to any garden landscape design. The plan, which incorporates white flowers together with interesting foliage, can be enjoyed during the daytime as much as after the sun sets.

Although a moon garden may be perceived as a garden only to be enjoyed in the summer, with a little planning you can get pleasure from your garden from spring until the first frost.

How to Make a Moon Garden

To make, first consider where you want to plant the garden. Do you tend to linger on the backyard balcony in the evening, or in the front of the house? Plant your garden in an area where it’s easy and convenient to enjoy.

Also consider the lighting of the location. Be sure that no tall or full trees will block the moonlight from your garden – plant the garden where the light shines both day and night.

Consider your furniture as well – choose and place comfortable furniture near or within your garden so it’s easy and comfortable to enjoy the sights and scent of the moon garden. A bench or chairs, or some patio furniture will do well. Also think about adding some small solar lights along the path so it’s easy and safe to access the garden area after dark.

Choosing Your Blooms for a Moon Garden

Choose plants for a moon garden that have bright and light colored blooms. Don’t rule out non-white flowers – silvers and grays, as well as pastels such as pink, can also add shine and interest to a night blooming garden. Think about using plants that flower from early spring through the first frost so you can enjoy your garden all year.

Also select plants of varying heights to add interest to your garden. Clematis and moonflowers climbing on a trellis will add height to the garden plan.

Spring Blooming Flowers

Spring blooming flowers to choose from include the following.

  • Snowdrops
  • Daffodils
  • Tulips
  • White roses

Summer Blooming Flowers

Think about the following when choosing summer blooms for your moon garden. Many of these will bloom from summer until the first frost of the season.

  • White bellflower
  • Shasta daisies
  • Clematis
  • English lavender
  • Astilbe
  • Night blooming jasmine
  • Impatiens
  • Petunias
  • Moonflowers (Note: moonflowers are poisonous if eaten; take care if children or pets will be near the plant.)

Add Interest to a Moon Garden with Foliage

Several perennials can also add interest to your garden with their foliage. Consider variegated leaf hostas, lamb’s ear and common sage for light colored and textured foliage in and around your blooms.

In addition, the flowers produced by these plants will add additional color to the garden.


The copyright of the article How to Plant a Moon Garden in Garden Styles is owned by Teresa Shaw. Permission to republish How to Plant a Moon Garden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Plant a Moon Garden with Impact, D. McPherson
       


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