Even though I’ve yet to make one, having a moonlit garden is a personal dream of mine. A moonlit garden is one that’s enjoyed late in the evening and through the night as the bright white light of the moon is reflected by foliage and petals of various whites and yellows.
Picture yourself strolling down a clean path of crushed granite while gentle floral scents waft past your nostrils and moonlight reflects off of tender petals like natural beacons in the night.
The idea is to create an experience and not just a plot of ground with flowers in it. This is why some sort of walking space is essential. You should be able to traverse the space and see it from the inside out, not just from the outside in. Crushed granite, pavers or even a design around an existing sidewalk would work.
The color of the plants is an obvious draw for this kind of display. Light colors that readily reflect the moon’s light such as plants with variegated foliage and yellow, white and light pink blooms work the best. My personal favorites include mermaid rose for its large saucer-like, light-yellow blossoms, mounding white trailing lantana that blooms most of the year, and soft, frothy Lindheimer’s muhly.
Fragrant plant choices will only heighten the experience. The more senses you can entice, the more delightful the garden will be! Some fragrant drought-tolerant choices include almond verbena and Mexican mint marigold.
Erin’s Moonlit Garden Design
Key | Erin’s Picks | Alternatives | |
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Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ | Artemisia, White Prairie; Dusty Miller |
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Muhly, Lindheimer’s | Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ |
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Lantana, Trailing | Zexmenia |
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Crape Myrtle ‘Natchez’ | Anacacho Orchid Tree; Olive, Mexican |
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Flax Lily | |
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Maidenhair Grass | |
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Rose ‘Mermaid’ | |
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Rose ‘Lady Banks’ | |
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Mexican Mint Marigold |
Check out our moonlit gardens board on Pinterest! You’ll find some great inspiration and all the gorgeous native and adapted plants you can use to create a celestial glow in your garden.