Hardscaping

There are three key elements of a moon garden; the hardscaping, artificial lighting, and the plants themselves.

The hardscaping consists of the architectural elements which form the backbone of the moon garden. This includes the walls, fences and trellises that divide and delineate the space, the areas provided for enjoyment or viewing such as arbors, pergolas and benches, and the winding pathways and borders which guide the wanderer through the garden. Hardscaping for a moon garden can also include certain features such as water ponds and basins, sculptures and statuary such as bird baths and planters.

For these architectural elements, the attributes of color and texture are important when making selections for a moon garden. Are they to become a focal point in themselves, or will they adopt a supportive role, adding to the overall charm and character of the space without being dominant features in the garden? Or, are they intended to disappear at night, allowing the plant material to upstage them? For example, a climbing vine or clematis will appear to float in the air if hanging from a dark colored arbor, trellis or pergola.

Paths and walkways pose a particularly interesting challenge to the designer. When constructed from light colored sand or crushed limestone, they tend to radiate and look mystical under the moonlight. Lightly colored stepping stones make the path to an intended location obvious. On the other hand, darker colored stepping stones can be a real treat at night, giving the illusion of walking on air or on the tops of holes!

Water can be another important design element in a moon garden composition. As long as it is clear, still water will add to the mysterious nature of the space by picking up and reflecting the soft lights of the night. Running water, such as that provided by a waterfall or a bubbler, will introduce soothing white noise that adds to the sounds of the evening and night.

Ornamentation can be as simple as a well-placed white boulder or a series of coordinated stones. It can also be as elaborate as a fancy statue or topiary which has been well lit for full enjoyment. Strategically placed containers and planters will provide both focal points as well as places to grow annual herbs. If placed next to a bench, the wanderer will brush up against them, releasing their haunting scents into the night. And speaking of benches, they should always be visible and obvious to encourage the wanderer to pause and fully absorb the composition.

No matter what you bring into the moon garden architecturally, make certain that it will enhance and remain in balance with the overall effect. Don't make it so ostentatious that it steals the show or dominates the scene. Remember to always focus on the moonlight aspect of the garden.