By Laura Straley
For the Sequim Gazette
A “moon garden” is a night-blooming, fragrant landscape designed to be enjoyed at night. It can be large or small. An out-of-the-way corner beside a garage or shed or a small section of the lawn can be transformed into a moon garden.
As with all gardens, a moon garden needs to be well-planned. The location must be a place to relax and yet be convenient enough to visit frequently.
To locate your moon garden, observe the moon’s progress over several nights, noting where it shines the brightest and is the least obstructed in its arc across the sky. Situate your garden so that there are few obstructions to the southeast, south, and southwest, allowing summer moonlight to illuminate your garden.
Test your soil and amend it properly before planting so your garden plants will be healthy. Use a garden hose to outline the layout of your garden. Make sure your garden has access to a source of water.
Choose plants with white and silver foliage or flowers that give a luminous appearance in the moonlight. The plants you pick should be appropriate for the garden location. Most plants in a moon garden will need six to seven hours of sunlight, but if you don’t have that much sun, then use shade plants.
Plants with light-colored foliage include:
• Lamb’s ear,
• Hostas,
• Dusty Miller, and
• Many of the sages.
Plants with light-colored flowers include:
• Astilbe,
• Baby’s breath,
• Bleeding heart,
• Calla lily,
• Daisy,
• Lily of the valley,
• Mallow, and
• Yarrow.
Night-blooming plants include:
• Angel trumpet,
• Evening primrose,
• Moon flower, and
• Tropical water lilies.
Place tall plants to the rear of the bed in front of large, dark elements. Place low-growing plants to the front of the bed and outline paths with shades of white and silver.
Moonlight shining upon water can be breathtaking. A fountain, simple birdbath among the plants, or even a saucer of water will do.
A pathway to your garden will make it inviting. Use light-colored gravel or stepping stones or outline the paths with rope lights. For a bit of whimsy, use stepping stones in crescent moon and star shapes. Soften the path’s edge with white rocks or low-growing plants.
For those evenings when there is no moonlight, or to add to the existing natural light, employ supplemental lighting. Consider solar lights, a lantern, candles, or any shiny item that reflects the moonlight.
Other items can add to the beauty of your moon garden including a trellis, fence, arbor, chimes, ornaments, or anything that is relaxing. Comfortable seating is a must.
A moon garden is attractive at any time of the day, but at dusk, it takes on a whole different look and feel, offering peace and tranquility to all who view it.
Master Gardener’s note: For the month of July, there will be no in-person plant clinic at the Woodcock Demonstration garden in Sequim. For additional information and to submit any online plant diagnostic questions, visit https://extension.wsu.edu/clallam/mg/plant-clinics/.
Laura Straley is a WSU-certified Clallam County Master Gardener.
