Moon Garden Magic
Discover the Glow

Moon Gardens are so much more than just a white garden. They are the tiny bit of mystery at the end of your day. A bit of luxury, I think. Indulge the inner child and craft something magical.

You could, according to some, just plant white plants, but it is more than that. Set it off, design the details (like texture and foliage) and add a healthy splash of drama. Now, that's what I'm talking about!

Setting

Your Moon Garden should be set off from the rest of the garden. Make sure your guests know -- this spot is special. This might mean that you hedge it in with evergreens or fence it in. Create a little secluded nook that will glow every evening. It's the first step to making it unique.

Also, make sure that you don't have too much shade -- or how will the moonlight do its work? Part to full sun will also ensure that you have a large selection of plants to choose from.

If you've got a gazebo that you love to use in the evening, how about a moon garden around that? With a great place to relax, you'll enjoy it often.

Details

Plants that make the grade are fairly easy to find. Choose a variety that will give you great texture -- tiny blooms like Baby's Breath with the huge blooms of Hydrangea may leave you gasping. Variegated Feather Reed Grass with White Petunias at the base might also be interesting.

Planning spaces for annuals is nice if you have the time. White Petunias like 'Celebrity White', Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa 'Gnome White'), or Rocket Candytuft (Iberis amara 'White Pinnacle').

Pressed for time (like I am?) -- Plan for one great spot for annuals (like a central urn) or design your garden with just perennials and blooming shrubs.

Layering plants that have silvery foliage will help to bridge the gap between bloom times, too. Think Artemesia 'Silver Mound', Lamb's Ears, or Variegated Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Avalanche').

DRAMA!

I love it when gardens get dramatic. In one design, I set it off with soaring Corinthian columns and a central classic urn. What about a reflecting pool in the center?

Think about where you'll first see the garden -- is it from the patio? Make that view enticing and enchanting. When someone ventures forth enough to enter the garden, make it an experience.

Think of what else will be glowing in the moonlight -- a silvery grey bench might be just the thing. Cast stone statuary would also pick up the faint light. Pale pathways present an opportunity for that special flare. Set loose your creative spirit and find things that sparkle and shine.

Evening dinner parties get a little more enchanting when there's a portion of your garden dedicated to the night. Lure them in by softly lighting a special plant or statue. I hope there's enough room for everyone!

If you work long days and find yourself disappointed that you couldn't enjoy part of the day in your garden -- a moon garden might be for you. Just at dusk, the blooms begin to glow. Walk around. Unwind. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy. This is your time. Let the moon garden do its magic.

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