Take a Stroll . . .

Want to create a moon garden? 

It’s a great way to enjoy your outdoor space in the evening, especially when the moon is out. Moon gardens are designed to be enjoyed primarily at night, and feature plants with light-colored or silvery foliage, as well as those with fragrant blooms that release their scent at night. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own moon garden:

1. Select a Suitable Location:

• Choose a spot in your garden that receives partial to full moonlight. Avoid areas with excessive artificial light or shade from buildings or large trees.

2. Plan the Design:

• Sketch a layout for your moon garden. Consider factors like plant height, spread, and color when arranging them in the garden bed.

3. Choose Moonlight-Reflecting Plants:

• Opt for plants with light-colored or silver foliage. Some popular choices include:
  • Artemisia (Silver Mound)
  • Lambs’ Ears (Stachys byzantine)
  • Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
  • Hosta varieties with light-colored leaves
  • Liriope muscari
  • Silver Thyme ( ‘Silver Queen’)
  • Silver Sage (Salvia argentea)
  • Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

4. Incorporate Fragrant Plants:

• Include plants with fragrant blooms that release their scent in the evening or at night. Some good options are:
  • Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
  • Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
  • Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
  • Nicotiana sylvestris
  • Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)

5. Add Texture and Contrast:

• Mix in plants with different textures and leaf shapes to create visual interest. This can include plants like ferns, ornamental grasses, and variegated varieties.

6. Consider Water Features:

• A small pond or water feature can enhance the sensory experience of a moon garden. The sound of trickling water and the reflection of moonlight on the water’s surface can be enchanting.

7. Include Garden Ornaments:

• Decorative elements like statues, birdbaths, or decorative stones can add a touch of magic to your moon garden.

8. Install Ambient Lighting:

• Add gentle, low-level lighting to enhance the moonlit effect. Consider using solar-powered lights, string lights, or LED pathway lights.

9. Care for Your Moon Garden:

• Regularly water and maintain your plants according to their specific needs. Prune and deadhead as necessary to keep the garden looking its best.

10. Enjoy Your Moon Garden:

• Spend time in your moon garden in the evening, especially when the moon is full. Take in the beauty and serenity of your carefully curated space.

Remember that moon gardens are meant to be a sensory experience, so take the time to sit, relax, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of your garden under the moonlight.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl