Top 9 tips to design a moon garden

Although it really isn't difficult to create a lovely moon garden, there are some basic steps you need to follow to get maximum impact at night.

Tip one - make sure you know where the moonlight falls in your garden during the hours you are likely to be outside.

Of course, the moon changes position in the sky when viewed from the ground. It appears high in the sky at certain times of the evening and when viewed from specific directions. Because we enjoy our moon garden primarily in the summer, we keep track of the times the moon appears and we make sure we know how much of our garden will be bathed in moonlight. Obviously, we want to make sure our moon garden is situated where it is likely to get the best lighting during the times we want to enjoy it.

Tip two- be aware of any large structures or trees that could affect the lighting as you design your moon garden.

If you are a purist, you are going to want to have the moon add to the lighting in your garden. This isn't absolutely necessary but moonlight is a natural and stunning lighting effect - so why not take advantage of it? However, if you have a large tree or other objects that can keep light from getting to your moon garden, you may need to consider moving the location of your Moon Garden or adding artificial lighting.

Tip three - try to think about more than just the plants in your night garden and also focus on sculptural or architectural garden sculptures or ornaments.

Moon gardens do feature certain types of plants, traditionally pale or white plants which glow against the darkening sky. However, you can add extra appeal to your night garden by adding other items such as large stones, trellises, walls, birdbaths and many other garden sculptures or ornaments.

Tip four - consider using more than the moonlight and add artificial lighting to help design your moon garden.

If you have followed tips one and two, above, you are aware of anything that could affect the natural light or moonlight shining in your garden. Perhaps you still like to have a moon garden in an area that does not receive much natural light. You can work around lighting problems by using artificial lights, solar lighting and even candles (if watched carefully) in your garden. All can be used to supplement or even substitute for natural moonlight.

Tip five - select garden plants that work best in your area of the country.

I live in the Midwest and we have harsh winters. Obviously, tropical or warm weather plants won't survive the winters. I do use annuals but select those which are likely to thrive in a midwest moon garden. Those plants include hostas, trillium, lamium, Tricyrtis Tojen, impatiens, begonias and the ever reliable hosta plants. In your area of the country, other plants may do well. You can find out more as well as get some excellent plants for your moon garden by looking at garden catalogs or visiting your local nursery.

Tip six - even if you buy plants locally for your moon garden, consider shopping from catalogs or try out other varieties you might not find easily in your local garden stores.

I am a huge advocate of buying locally but when it comes to the design of a moon garden, I do make exceptions. Browse garden catalogs and buy both locally and through catalogs as well as online shopping in order to add that unique touch to your Moon Garden.

Tip seven - know your soil.

You can buy the best moon garden plants around, from white impatiens and begonias to specialty hostas which are costly. Stick those plants in poor soil, however, and you will have problems. So make sure you find some garden testing kits or even have your garden soil professionally tested. If you are lucky, you'll have garden soil which is full of nutrients. If not, you may have to add mulch, soil amendments and even bring in soil to add to your night garden.

Tip eight- Try to showcase mostly white or pale plants and garden sculptures in your moon garden.

Although you can certainly find other plants to add to your night garden, white plants are our favorites for these types of gardens - and a traditional shade for moon gardens because they stand out in striking contrast against the dusk and deepening dark of the night sky. That is why we use annuals such as white impatiens and begonias as well as perennials such as bleeding heart (white ones) throughout our garden. At the same time, hostas can be showcased against the white leaves.

Tip nine: Try to add a seating area to the design of your moon garden

It can be an absolute joy to sit outside, sip some tea or perhaps a glass of wine, savor the sounds of the birds and welcome night as it falls on your garden. A seating area is perfect for having a quick dinner outside or just sitting and chatting with friends and family.