Expert Advice: Adding Romance With a Moonlight Garden

Photograph by Jonathan Buckley

Moonlight gardens–planted with white and silvery flowers that glow after dark–became an early 20th century fad in both the US and Europe. Here are 7 ideas to steal for a modern moonlight garden.

Photo courtesy of Crocus

1. Mirror Images

Photo courtesy of Crocus

Plant white flowers near reflective surfaces to emphasize their beauty.

2. Pale Planters

Photo by Matthew Williams

White clay pots and planters look luminous by moonlight.

3. Silver Slivers

Photo by Kendra Wilson

Adding gray and silver cause nearby whites to look whiter.

4. Whitescapes

Photo by Matthew Williams

Paint hardscape elements white to add an extra dimension to a moonlight garden.

5. Tapestry of Texture

Photo courtesy of Sawyer | Berson

Varieties of texture create layers of interest for a serene white flower.

6. A Pleasing Perfume

Photo courtesy of Quincy Hammond Landscape Architect

Planting perfumed flowers, such as catmint or irises, adds a dimension of romance to a moonlight garden.

6. Vines and Climbers

Photo by Michelle Slatalla

Blooming climbers can create a large swath of white color to attract the eye at dusk.

7. Add Annuals

Plant white annuals that will bloom all summer long.

Photo courtesy of Sawyer | Berson

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Photo courtesy of Sawyer | Berson