ORGANIC GARDENING
MOON GARDEN Delight in the night with a
The Casa Blanca lily is a variety of Oriental lily (Lilium) known for its large, fragrant, and pure white flowers. It is often prized in gardens and floral arrangements for its beauty and elegance.
By S. MICHAL BENNETT
W e typically associate a garden or landscape with verdant colors that are viewed and enjoyed in the bril- liant light of day. However, night- blooming flowers, silvery foliage and contrasting light and dark textures can create a magical space best en- joyed by the light of the moon. Let’s explore the different aspects of creat- ing a night or moon garden. >> Flowers The most obvious blooms to grow in a moon garden are white and light color flowers that will reflect the glow of moonlight. Choosing bulbs and flowering plants that also give off pleasant and complimenta-
>> Foliage From silver and mottled to green and darker shades, leaves and foli- age can play an important part in di- versifying the bewitching ambiance of a moon garden. Russian sage shrubs and laven- der are edible flowering plants with layers of silvery leaves. Both the lic- orice plant (low growing) and coral bells (tall flower stems) produce rosy flowers but have silvery white leaves that easily reflect moonlight. There is a wide range of low-growing succu- lents whose pearly leaves and stems are brilliant under the moon. Aspidistra comes in a myriad of va- rieties that have large green leaves
ry fragrances also enhance the am- biance of a moon garden. Common blooms might be white and silver (purple-based) roses, daisies, light- color petunias, and other white or light flowers. Shade-loving flowers like white impatiens are also a love- ly choice. Aside from their color, flowers that also open up and come to life at night are an additional staple for a moon garden. Casa Blanca lilies are peren- nial bulbs that bloom as the sun is setting. Evening primrose may be yellow, but it opens its petals and releases a lemony scent in the eve- ning and throughout the night. Oth- er night blooms include moonflower, night phlox,, and Angel’s Trumpet.
42 NSPIREMAGAZINE.COM
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker