Moon gardens are trending: 5 plants and easy tips to create one at home

Moon gardens are gaining popularity as people seek nighttime relaxation spaces. A moon garden is designed to flourish after dark, emphasizing light, scent, and texture. It typically includes night-blooming plants, those with strong fragrances, and light-colored flowers that shine in the moonlight. Director Giulia Baima Bollone of Embassy Interiors describes it as a space that shifts from sunlight's drama to moonlight's subtlety.

The color scheme usually consists of white and silver-toned blooms like moonflowers, white jasmine, dusty miller, and evening primrose. These light-colored flowers catch and reflect the faintest moonlight, creating a soft, luminous effect after sunset. Strong scents are also crucial, as many night-blooming flowers release their most potent fragrances during the evening, transforming the garden into a multi-sensory experience.

Several plant species thrive in moon gardens. For shaded balconies, consider Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Brahma Kamal) and Spathiphyllum (peace lily). For sunnier spots with at least six hours of sunlight, night-blooming cestrum (night blooming jasmine), jasmine sambac (mogra or Arabian jasmine), and white adenium (desert rose) are excellent choices.

Creating a moon garden at home involves selecting a small garden bed or a cluster of pots near a seating area. Incorporating reflective elements such as white gravel, pale stone, or a small water feature can enhance the garden's natural glow from the moonlight. Soft lighting, like lanterns or solar lights, adds to the ambiance without overwhelming the space. Most importantly, setting up a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the garden is essential.

While moon gardens have no space limitations, you can grow these plants in small pots on balconies or terraces. However, it's crucial to consider the sunlight exposure and timing in your area to choose the appropriate plants.