5 TIPS TO CREATE AN EVENING OASIS
Whether it’s to avoid the heat or because you’re working during the day, long summer nights provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy your garden in the evening.
Moon gardens are one way to create spaces especially designed for nighttime viewing. By integrating plant species with bright, shiny, or variegated foliage, and white flowers, create a garden full of natural bright light.
Consider our five tips to create a beautiful space that shines even when the sun begins to set.
Leucantheumum
If you find yourself spending more time in your garden during the evening time, select flowering plants with light colors that can reflect the moonlight.
During the late summer, sun-loving perennials like yarrow and leucantheumum are in full bloom. Both choices are pollinator friendly. They can survive summer heat and are resistant to drought. Every few years they can be dug up, divided and replanted elsewhere in your garden or shared with friends and family.
A twining climber, white mandevilla, is another choice to lighten up your space. Showy trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in the late spring or summer. Their lustrous green foliage also makes an excellent cover when climbing up a trellis.
White Mandevilla
Dahlia
Venus Dogwood
White, silver and gold foliage can be just as stunning as their flowery counterparts. Add a pop of white to your shade garden with a ‘Patriot’ hosta, ‘Jack Frost’ brunnera, or a variegated Japanese fatsia.
‘Emerald Gaiety’ wintercreeper is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub. Green leaves are edged with white and will reflect the moon.
Small trees can add impact and frame a space. Consider trees with white variegated foliage like the giant variegated dogwood, which is also commonly referred to as a wedding cake tree.
Jack Frost Brunnera | Patriot Hosta | Emerald Gaiety Wintercreeper
While many flowers want to soak up the sunshine, there are some that specifically bloom and stay open in the evening. Moonflower, a perennial vine with fragrant blooms is one such flower that opens at night. Vines such as this one can also add vertical interest and make the most out of small spaces.
Moon Flower
Delight your senses by adding a fountain to your space. Bringing water into your garden can have many benefits. From the soothing sound of running water to the cooling effects, water features can add ambience and benefit local wildlife.
Even on the darkest nights, fragrant plants can still be enjoyed. Star jasmine, moonflowers and daphne all have beautiful flowers in addition to being highly fragrant.
Summer Ice Daphne
