Pictured Above: Close-up of a moonflower, or Ipomoea alba.
As the weather warms up, most of us start picturing borders full of bright, colourful blooms. But there’s one garden trend that takes a softer, more atmospheric approach — and it looks its best after dark.
Known as a moon garden, this dreamy planting style is designed to be enjoyed in the evening, using white flowers, silver foliage and pale-toned plants that catch and reflect the moonlight. Author and horticulturist Brie Arthur describes it as a landscape created specifically for night-time viewing — and it might be the most magical way to rethink your garden this summer.
'Many moon gardens also feature highly fragrant flowers that release their scent after sunset, attracting night-active pollinators like moths,' Brie says, adding that these are often 'overlooked pollinators'.
During the day, when the sun is shining, a silvery-white moon garden will look 'elegant and sophisticated', contrasting beautifully against the green foliage.
Moon gardens will work in every climate but Brie says they might not be the best fit for gardeners who love bold, vibrant flower colours — they may find the palette 'too restrained'.
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'They are best suited for gardeners who appreciate fragrance, texture, and a more serene aesthetic,' Brie remarks.
What to plant in a moon garden
A moon garden should feature light-coloured flowers, silvery foliage, and plants with strong evening fragrance arranged where they can be easily viewed at dusk and after dark. 'The overall effect should feel luminous, calming, and inviting, with layers of texture that catch and reflect available light,' says Brie.
When choosing annuals for a moon garden, Brie recommends white pansies or violas, white petunias, white nicotiana (or flowering tobacco), moonflower vine, white angelonia, and sweet alyssum.
Additionally, perennial options include white garden phlox, white coneflowers, Shasta daisies, and variegated hostas 'for their foliage and their fragrant white flowers'.
But try not to put too much emphasis on the flowers. Brie explains that a successful moon garden relies as much on foliage as flowers, 'so don't overlook plants with silver, grey, or variegated leaves.'
Brie also suggests adding features to your moon garden like light-coloured pathways, containers, benches, fountains, or decorative elements that can further enhance the garden's beauty after sunset.
How to maintain a moon garden
'Maintenance of a moon garden is essentially the same as any other ornamental garden, with watering during establishment as the top task,' says Brie.
'Mulching, deadheading spent flowers, weeding, and dividing perennials as needed are also seasonal activities that will ensure your moon garden looks great all season. Regular pruning and replacement of annuals will help keep the garden looking bright and fresh throughout the growing season.'
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