- What is a Moon Garden?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Create a Moon Garden<\/a>
- Choose the location of your moon garden<\/a><\/li>
- Select plants for your moon garden<\/a>
- White-flowering plants<\/a><\/li>
- Night bloomers<\/a><\/li>
- Fragrant plants<\/a><\/li>
- Plants with bright foliage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Add some soothing sounds<\/a><\/li>
- Relax near a water feature<\/a><\/li>
- Walking paths keep you safe<\/a><\/li>
- Artificial light can add to the beauty<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ About Moon Gardens<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of a Moon Garden<\/a><\/li>
- When to Call a Landscaping Pro<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is a Moon Garden?<\/h2>
A moon garden features plants accentuated by the moonlight. Many of the best moon garden plants only bloom or emit fragrance at night. Other moon garden plants have silvery foliage or white-colored blooms that emit a radiant glow in the moonlit night.<\/p>
Keep in mind that not every plant is well-suited for a moon garden. Common moon garden plants include angel\u2019s trumpet, evening primrose, snowdrop, and foxglove.<\/p>
How to Create a Moon Garden<\/h2>
![\"Moon](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Moon-Garden-Pixabay.jpg\")
Francesco Pitarresi \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Like building any other garden, you’ll need ample space, gardening tools, and perhaps some nice edging and mulch for your moon garden.<\/p>
But what makes your moon garden different from a regular garden is the plants you grow, the atmosphere you create, and where it’s located. Your moon garden should glow in the glistening moonlight without interference from tall trees or your home, and be a calming, zen space for evening relaxation.<\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Keep in mind that for many of the suggested plants listed below, there may be overlap between blooming time, white flowers, nighttime fragrance, and shiny foliage. For instance, you may wish to choose a plant that is both fragrant and white, or only fragrant and not white — either is fine.<\/p>
Choose the location of your moon garden<\/h3>
![\"Moon](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Pexels-Moon.jpg\")
Callum Hilton \/ Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Before picking up your trowel and shovel, it’s important to find the right spot for your moon garden — it won’t look great just anywhere.<\/p>
First, consider where you can best enjoy your moon garden. Is it from the front porch, back deck, or in your outdoor living space? Ask where you will have both a great view of your moon garden and also be able to smell its beautiful fragrances.<\/p>
Next, take note of when and how much moonlight reaches parts of your yard. If the moon doesn’t cast its light near your deck, or it only does so way after your bedtime, perhaps the deck is not the best area to establish your moon garden. But if the front porch receives ample moonlight in the early evening hours, then the porch may be just the spot that gives you the best viewing at the time of day you’re most available.<\/p>
You’ll also want to grow your moon garden in a space that gives you easy access to the garden at night.<\/p>
Select plants for your moon garden<\/h3>
After a long workday and a sink full of dishes to clean, you don’t want your garden tucking in for the night just as you’re finally ready to relax.<\/p>
White-flowering plants<\/h4>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/White-hydrangea-pixabay.jpg\")
White hydrangea \/ \u0421\u0435\u0440\u0433\u0435\u0439 \u041a\u043e\u0440\u0447\u0430\u043d\u043e\u0432 \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Planting white or pale flowers is essential for any moon garden. Once your eyes adjust to the night, you\u2019ll see how these pale blooms stand out in the darkness and create different hues in the moonlight than in the daytime. White plants perfect for a moon garden include:<\/p>
- Snowdrops<\/li>
- Bleeding hearts<\/li>
- Hydrangea<\/li>
- Daffodil<\/li>
- Snow-in-summer<\/li> <\/ul>
Night bloomers<\/h4>
![\"Angel's](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Angels-Trumpet-Pixabay.jpg\")
Angel\u2019s trumpet \/ skeeze \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> What makes a moon garden so magical is the night-blooming plants<\/a>. Just as you’re ready for an evening walk in the garden, their petals will open to the striking moonlight and light up like stars in your landscape.<\/p>
Excellent night bloomers to add to your moon garden include:<\/p>
- Four o’clocks<\/li>
- Moonflower<\/li>
- Evening primrose<\/li>
- Angel’s trumpet<\/li>
- Night-blooming jasmine<\/li> <\/ul>
Fragrant plants<\/h4>
![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Pink-lilac-pixabay.jpg\")
Lilac \/ puxcom \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Many moon garden plants withhold their delicious fragrance in the daytime, but let their perfumes fill the night air under the moon. For a moon garden that makes you swoon and take delight in the fragrant night air, you\u2019ll want to include these aromatic plants in your moon garden.<\/p>
As your sense of sight fades with the sun, your other senses will grow stronger in your moonlit garden. This means aromatic flowers during the day will be even stronger through the night. The nighttime fragrances will smell beautiful to your nose, more potent and refreshing than smelling flowers in the daytime.<\/p>
Fragrant plants for your moon garden include:<\/p>
- Peonies<\/li>
- Bearded Iris<\/li>
- Roses<\/li>
- Lilac<\/li>
- Mock orange<\/li> <\/ul>
Plants with bright foliage<\/h4>
![\"Variegated](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Variegated-hosta-needpix.jpg\")
Variegated hosta \/ bluebudgie \/ Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blooming flowers that pop under the moonlight are perfect for a moon garden. But what about leaves?<\/p>
Plants with silver, variegated, or gray foliage can make excellent additions to your moon garden and add stunning texture with their reflective, shining leaves.<\/p>
Consider these foliage plants for your moon garden:<\/p>
- Variegated hosta<\/li>
- Lamb\u2019s ear<\/li>
- \u201cSilver Mound\u201d Artemisia<\/li>
- Moonglow Juniper<\/li> <\/ul>
Add some soothing sounds<\/h3>
![\"Wind](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wind-Chimes-Pixabay.jpg\")
angelsover \/ Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Your moonlit garden should do more than just excite your nose and eyes. What do you want to hear as you unwind in your calming moon garden? Charming melodies, rustling grass? <\/p>
Wind chimes can add the perfect dose of musical serenity to your moon garden. And ornamental grasses swaying in the wind will ease your mind after a long workday.<\/p>
Relax near a water feature<\/h3>
![\"Splashing](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Splashing-Water-Pexels.jpg\")
Hilary Halliwell \/ Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> For a romantic moon garden that could have you writing a poem on every evening stroll, consider adding water features to your moon garden design.<\/p>
A small pond resting near your moon garden will have you marveling by the moonlight shining on the water\u2019s rippling surface. <\/p>
Or perhaps you\u2019d prefer the splashing, glittering specks of silver light only a garden fountain could make. <\/p>
Water features can add both mesmerizing sound and elegance to your moonlit oasis.<\/p>
Walking paths keep you safe<\/h3>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/White-Pebbles-Pixabay.jpg\")
Gary Chambers \/ Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A walking path in your moon garden is a smart way to guide you and your guests through the beauty of the night. <\/p>
Especially when it\u2019s dark, and the sun has gone down, you may appreciate the sense of security and direction a garden path can provide. White paver stones or white pebbles can be excellent materials for a path that reflects the shining moonlight, giving your tranquil garden an extra glow.<\/p>
Artificial light can add to the beauty<\/h3>
![\"String](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Pexels-String-Lights.jpg\")
Jason Villanueva \/ Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Adding artificial light to your moon garden can be tricky because you don\u2019t want to overdo it. Too much artificial light can wash out the natural moonlight and take away the beautiful effects of a garden glowing in the dark.<\/p>
But a bit of artificial light in your moon garden may do some good. For a magical touch beneath the full moon, hang small string lights between tree branches or a nearby tall structure. This will create a cozy outdoor space that will feel like the stars from the night sky are right in your garden. <\/p>
For security and safety, consider installing small lanterns along your moon garden\u2019s walking paths.<\/p>
FAQ About Moon Gardens<\/h2>
1. Does growing a moon garden mean gardening by the moon?<\/strong>As we\u2019ve described above, a moon garden is a garden that thrives in and is accentuated by moonlight. Gardening by the moon<\/a> means planting or harvesting your garden according to the moon\u2019s changing signs or phases.
2. Does gardening by the moon really work?<\/strong>Since ancient times, civilizations have looked to the moon, sun, stars, and planets for astronomical signs of guidance. Today, many gardeners look to the moon to determine the best time to plant and harvest their gardens.
3. Which moon is best for planting?<\/strong>If you do wish to plant by the moon and test this theory for yourself, The Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac offers helpful guidelines<\/a>:
4. Do moon gardens grow back every year?<\/strong>That depends. If you plant annuals, expect to replace them the following growing season. On the other hand, perennials will return the next growing season, though the number of returning years will vary depending on the perennials you plant.<\/p> <\/div>
5. Are moon gardens safe for dogs?<\/strong>If your pup likes to chew on anything in sight and enjoys romping around the flower bed, you may want to build your moon garden with them in mind. Many plants are poisonous to dogs and are best left out of the moon garden. Toxic plants for your dog include, but are not limited to, hydrangea, lily of the valley, peonies, and primrose. Pet Central by Chewy offers a complete guide<\/a> on plants poisonous to dogs.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Benefits of a Moon Garden<\/h2>
A moon garden makes a beautiful addition to the landscape, and it can finally be a garden you\u2019re able to appreciate and admire, given your hectic work schedule.<\/p>
No more having to wait till the weekends to appreciate your gardens, and no more having to miss those precious sunlit hours just before the day\u2019s end.<\/p>
With a moon garden, you can appreciate your garden every night of the week and get the calming garden meditations you need before a new day.<\/p>
Moon gardens are also beneficial to nighttime pollinators, such as moths, bats, and bees. Take a nighttime stroll through your moon garden, and enjoy the sounds of buzzing vibrations and the sites of marvelously patterned moth wings reflecting the light of the moon.<\/p>
When to Call a Landscaping Pro<\/h2>
- Night bloomers<\/a><\/li>
- Select plants for your moon garden<\/a>
- How to Create a Moon Garden<\/a>