Ask the master gardeners
Q: What is a moon garden?
A: A moon garden is a garden that is pleasant to look at by day, but in the evening, in the moonlight, takes on an enchanted look.
Moon gardens do not have to be any specific size or shape, as long as you choose the right plants. Usually the plants in a moon garden have white or silver foliage or white flowers that reflect the moonlight.
Examples of such plants include lambs ear , dusty miller , Russian sage , candytuft , white chrysanthemums , white and pale pink peonies , the fragrant August lily , moon flowers , and my favorite, pussytoes . This last one is similar to dusty miller but lower growing and native to our area.
To make your moon garden more appealing, add flowering plants that have color or a scent. Many of the night-blooming plants have color, such as evening primrose or flowers that release a fragrance that attracts pollinating moths, such as night-scented stock .
Though not hardy in our area, the flowering tobacco and night-blooming jasmine can be grown in containers or as annuals.
In general, plan your garden so that you have a variety of plants that provide staggered blooms from spring to fall.
Dont confuse a moon garden with a shade garden. To get profuse flowers, make sure you have the correct sun requirements for your plant selection.
Above all, plant your garden where you will be able to enjoy it in the evening near your deck, patio or walkway. Keep the electrical lights turned very low or completely off and experience the moons glow reflecting off the plants.
Your new garden will be a wonderful addition to your outdoor evenings.
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