Moon Plants
Using a selection of plants that thrive at night time or in the dark can be a great addition to the garden especially whilst entertaining! These plants generally only open at night time with a beautiful fragrance which is the flowers way of attracting moths and bats to pollinate. The leaves are also very attractive; many seem to almost glow in the moonlight, a slivery green colour.
These gardens are called ‘Moon themed’ or ‘white garden’ which can look great during both day and night. It is important to consider where you will place these moon plants as you will want a good view of them perhaps not only from the outside but also from the comfort of indoors. Lets be honest the weather does not always allow you to sit outside but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your hard work!
When creating a moon garden is it crucial to stick to white, cream or yellow colored flowers and vines. Add different varieties, textures, shapes, sizes and flowers. T ry mixing some brilliant blues and reds for during the day time amongst the slivers. Silvery leafed plants can reflect the moonlight e.g. Dusty Miller, Artemisia and Lambs Ear. Try and include moon flowers as they can be breath taking! A variety of the Morning Glory, Moonflower (Ipomoea alba,) is beautiful when it is in bloom with its huge almost tissue like flowers with a wonderful fragrance and heart shaped leaves. Moonflowers are mainly quick growing vines that can reach ten feet with beautiful and fragrant blooms. Fro optimum night time results it is best to plant in an area which will get full to partial sun through the day. Plant seeds directly after the frost period are over to minimize frost damage.
Another essential for a moon garden is Jasmine Tobacco (Sweet Scented Alata) which has a very sweet fragrance with beautiful white trumpet-shaped flowers. Other must haves include - Snow White Carnations (dianthus caryophyllus), White Angels Trumpet (toloache), Super White Candy Tuft, Honeysuckle, White Impatients, and Daisies. Remember it is important to plan your garden properly as you will want to keep a good selection of day and night time bloomers for a terrific garden both day and night!
