Create magic and mystery under the moonlight by planting your own Moon Garden. Planted to "shine" at night, this relaxing and romantic garden provides the perfect place to unwind in the evenings.

Moon Gardens have a history and tradition with our ancestors, and at one time were used as a place to gather for moon worship. They were the site of many celebrations on warm, summer evenings, and a favorite place for romantic interludes.

There are many flowering plants that bloom at twilight or after dark, and these are perfect for your Moon Garden. White phlox, delphiniums, salvia and dianthus are perfect to reflect the light, as are evening primrose, four o'clock, and moon flower. White and light colored flowers luminescence in the moonlight and bits of darker contrast colors will stand out at sunset.

Other flowers release their fragrance only in the evening and make a perfect compliment to your garden. Flowering tobacco, night jasmine and lavender can add gentle scents to your garden. Place them in separate areas of your garden to prevent an overpowering combination of scents.

Add height to the landscape with white climbing roses, or Sweet Autumn Clematis trained to grow up a trellis. Placed on a dark trellis, white flowers appear to float in mid-air after dark.

Plan your plantings to bloom throughout the seasons. Tulip, crocus or daffodil bulbs planted in the fall will provide early spring blooms. Bellflower, baby's breath, astilbe and false spires bloom in mid summer while bugbane, monkshood and boltonia bloom in late summer to early fall. Shasta daisies will bloom from early summer clear through until frost.

Include different sizes, shapes and textures in your plantings, including non-flowering plants as well. Plants should be hardy to your planting zone, and compatible to your type of soil and the amount of sun or shade available in your garden. Use annuals, perennials and bulbs to create variety.

Before choosing an area for you garden, walk around your yard at night to determine where the moonlight will best illuminate your plantings. Some nights will be cloudy, however, and you may wish to supplement the lighting in your Moon Garden with solar landscape lighting. A small tree draped with strings of white lights can also give a magical appearance to your garden. Use dim artificial light to highlight specific plants of features.

Pools, ponds and birdbaths create a standing body of water that will reflect the moon's rays. A small fountain or other trickling water feature creates soothing sounds for relaxing.

Incorporate benches or a patio table and chairs for seating. Light colored gravel or stepping stones provide a safe and visible pathway through your garden. Bridges, statues or planters add interest to the space. Your Moon Garden is your own intimate, private garden and should include things you enjoy. It can be as lavish or as simple as you wish.

Start planning your own Moon Garden. There are number of internet sites devoted to planning and planting your garden. Online sites for the major gardening and seed supply companies provide detailed descriptions of the various flowers as well as their soil and light requirements. You local plant nurseries can also help you pick plants for your specific area.

Learn more about this author, Debra Herring.
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