Moonlight Gardening
Carol Hanson, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
‘Twilight,’ ‘moonlight,’ 'nocturnal’ and ‘nighttime’ are great descriptors for gardens that rise and shine after the sun goes down. These gardens feature plants in white or pastel color families, which contrast well against dark backdrops. They offer many of the same benefits that daylight gardens do, such as pollinator and wildlife appeal. Even if you don’t have space for another garden or you live in an apartment, you can create a nighttime oasis by using containers or by incorporating the design elements in your existing landscape. Now is a great time to start planning a moonlight garden for next year.
Point-of-view and focal points are key to the layout. Will your garden be accessible only from one side or will it be centrally located for a different view every night? If you are mixing nocturnal plants with your daytime garden (the pocket method), the moonlight plants should be substantial enough that they are not lost among the daytime plants. Consider a focal point to draw the eye in; you can use plants such as a hydrangea, birch tree, or tall grass. Even a water feature, statue, large planter or a simple plant support will work. Imagine a bright white moonflower draping and twining around shepherd’s hook!
While the moon will be your primary light source, enhancers can be added to emphasize the pale colors of the plants. Rich, dark plants can bring extra drama. Solar or twinkle lights, battery candles, or a fire ring can add to the magic. Sculptures, colored rocks and reflecting balls will bounce light around the garden for a better display. Be aware of any areas that will be in deep shade when determining your supplemental light sources and plant placement.
Once you’ve determined the layout and light requirements, you can move on to the best part of the process -- picking your plants! Perennials often provide the structure for the garden, but annuals and tropical specimens can be layered in each year to provide variety. Since lighter colors are more visible in a moonlight garden, consider pale hostas or those with leaves sporting heavy white centers to create borders and backdrops. Pair them with a flowing river of impatiens or petunias, which will attract and reflect evening light spectacularly while pulling double duty in the daytime garden.
Fragrance is another feature of moonlight gardens, as it will activate another sensory area when light and vision are low. Consider planting nicotiana, petunias, gardenias, or moonflower and prepare to be delighted with your garden even more on warm, sultry evenings. Nocturnal pollinators such as moths will also enjoy the fragrance, and in turn, bats will enjoy dining on the insects.
Moonlight gardens are meant to be enjoyed, so make sure you provide a seating area and anything else that would make your setting more inviting for you and the wildlife you want to attract. Whether your landscape is a yard or a balcony, a moonlight garden is a wonderful addition to your outdoor space.