The Evening Magic of a Moon Garden
- Linda Crider
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
What a great way to tap into your creative gardening skills and increase your enjoyment of balmy summer evenings! But first, let me clarify that my focus here is not about gardening by moon cycles. That, of course is a commendable and effective practice, but I recently came across ideas for planting a MOON GARDEN, and I was intrigued.
I'm one of many who, up to now, only thought about admiring my evergreens, herbs and wildflowers from first light to dusk. The concept of a moon garden was shared during a moon medicine course that I'm taking part in along with a group of global night sky watchers.
I can now see how a patch of flowers and foliage that is lovely to behold during the day could be transformed into a completely different space by night. Given a strategic location and careful planning, It could be nothing short of enchanting, especially when highlighted by moonlight. I can't help but think it would also be the perfect place to set out your personal moon water items, if you're inclined to make some.
For those interested in creating a moon garden there are many sources to consult. They all recommend selecting white or soft hued flowers that reflect light. The best choices would include those that are suited to your climate zone, and some to consider would be white varieties of Roses, Hibiscus, Peonies, Lilies, Hydrangeas, Yarrow and ground cover such as Alyssum. Leafy plants like white or variegated Hostas and silvery Mugworts also make attractive additions to create a twilight haven.
If you're lucky enough to live in an area where fragrant botanicals such as Lily of the Valley, Gardenias and various Jasmines thrive, they would also release their intoxicating scents to add an exotic quality to a moon garden. The beautiful, Angel's Trumpet vine (aka Datura) is another fragrant plant that would bring a heavenly scent to the mix, and is also considered sacred among certain native peoples. However, there's a caution attached here. Plants like this one may add more sensuality to the atmosphere and are pleasing to look at, but they are toxic to people and pets.
Other plants to look into are those that only open after dusk. The sweet smelling, white
Moonflower is an obvious choice, and despite its tropical appearance, it's adaptable to a variety of climates.
And for desert dwellers the night blooming varieties of Cereus cacti are options,
but from what I have read, they require patience. It can take years before young cacti will flower, and there is a single variety that only blooms one night a year!
Aside from appealing to the senses of sight and smell, nighttime gardens have a unique sound. Chirping crickets, the gentle buzzing of pollinating moths along with soft breezes that trigger wind chimes contribute to the magical atmosphere. I've read that bats are also included among welcomed nocturnal pollinators in some areas, but unless you're hosting a Halloween party, I would think these winged visitors may send a few of your guests heading indoors!
Naturally, full moon brilliance highlights a nocturnal garden for a few special nights of the month, but artfully placed lighting can bring it to life all season long. Some sources recommend various forms of artificial lighting, but to avoid unwanted light pollution, I would lean toward those that are low key. Personally, I'm not fond of the harshness of LED lighting, but a few muted lanterns or twinkle lights would brighten your efforts and can add to the ambiance.
Depending on what your designated space would allow, including a pretty bench and/or a few chairs and small tables would create an inviting place for socializing or solitude.
You can let your creativity run wild, but of course, the main focus is on the plants you choose, and not only for their appearance and viability. Look for the ones who call to you and consider how they resonate with you personally.
In my case, there is one particular plant that has chosen me! Another synchronicity that got me interested in moon gardens was a cluster of pale yellow flowers that I've noticed for the past few years blooming happily at dawn in my wildflower garden. They are a welcoming sight first thing in the morning, and this picture was taken just before sunrise in mid summer:
As the day begins, most of the other wildflowers are still asleep, so these ladies are delightfully conspicuous, but by mid morning, they're spent. I didn't plant them, and I'm not totally sure, but all signs, including their nocturnal flowering habits, show them to be a variety of Evening Primrose. It would seem that the emergence of a moon garden has been unfolding before I was even aware of it. I see this as both a greeting from the plant world and a subtle nudge to take a closer look!
Since I'm dealing with limited space, next season I can visualize putting together a teeny, moveable version. The advantage here would be the option to shift locations and shelter delicate plants when temps plummet. I'll be on the lookout for a unique container and then decide on a few white or light colored thrillers, spillers and fillers to create my own portable moon garden.
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
Comments