The Moon Garden

It is always interesting to visit gardens that invite you to discover different ideas. The design of a moon garden, surrounded by hedges of shrubs or trees, such as California privet, Boxwoods, Holly or a very elegant tree line of Hornbeams, creates a division for a garden area that will offer a dramatic effect. Surrounded by these trees or shrubs, comes an idea of a moon garden and also the selection of focal point and accessories that will complement the whole design. Evening gardens look extremely romantic and inspiring when surrounded by hedges with a specific entrance, either by a gap between the hedges, a door or a gate in wood or iron. It will make a romantic entrance that should direct the eye  directly to the garden or central focal piece such as an urn, statue or birdbath.

The concept is a garden that is attractive in daylight and magical in moonlight, filled with flowers, variegated and silver foliage, and scented plants. The use of large quantities of white flowers and variegated leaves will shine until moonlight comes into the garden. Scented flowers and pungent foliage add appeal to the gardens. The beds can be designed around the hedges or geometrically in the center of the space. Flowers such as Nicotiana, Moonflower, Petunia, Hosta, Casablanca lily, Shasta daisy and Lavender can be planted in the borders or beds giving a graceful effect of shapes and heights. Shrubs such as Tardiva hydrangea, lilac “Ellen Willmont,” Deutzia or white shrub roses should be planted in the corners to give more depth to the design. Grey plants or variegated foliage will complement the design if added by the edge of beds such as variegated Ivy, Stachys, and Artemesia. White Tulips, Narcissus and Snow Drop bulbs can be planted in fall for a magnificent spring display, keeping the garden interest vibrating from early spring to fall.

The moon garden can also be located on a terrace. White flowers will reflect the light of evening long after brighter blooms fade into darkness. White furniture should complement the garden. The terrace can be done with grey stones such as the very popular blue stone or river bottom stone for a more rustic design. White gravel can be spread between the stones. Flowers in containers will create much of the display. Geraniums, Petunias, Lobelias, Gaura, scaviola with variegated Vinca or any other cascade foliage in grey will complement the pots with these annual flowers. The planters should be situated around the patio and will look especially attractive if seated on white gravel. A large grey urn in the center of the terrace with an abundance of white flowers and variegated leaves will create the perfect focal point for the garden. Also, vines will blend into the design either attached to a wall or growing in a pergola. Climbing roses and vines such as Silver Lace vine, clematis Montana, New Dawn rose or Iceberg rose will give a spectacular amount of white flower to frame the gardens.

Illuminating the moon garden after dark, lighting conveys a romantic mood and expands the use of garden areas. Adequate illumination in an evening garden includes metal lanterns, hurricane lamps, pedestal candles or any soft light that would give a special accent to the natural light of the garden. Torches are also suitable in moon gardens and citronella oil should be used in them to spread a scent that will protect you from night bugs.

Moon gardens are designed to establish a particular mood with a certain kind of design and a cooler palette of color for plantings. Different kinds of designs can be applied to this concept; even a very modern concept of a meadow using silver ornamental grasses and birch trees will look remarkable. Also, there are many native plants that are appropriate for your landscape and will apply for this garden design concept.

The whole idea is to keep inspired with nature and be able to enjoy landscape with creative garden ideas.

Landscape writer, lecturer and designer, Frederico Azevedo, is the CEO of Unlimited Earth Care, a landscape design and concept store located in Bridgehampton. For more information call 631-725-7551, or visit unlimitedearthcare.com.