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

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.

The colour palette

The palette typically features white and silver-toned blooms such as moonflowers, white jasmine, dusty miller and evening primrose, as their pale petals catch and reflect even the faintest light, creating a soft, luminous effect after sunset. Fragrance is equally important, as many night-blooming flowers release their strongest scents in the evening, making the garden an experience that engages more than just the eyes.

Include a Brahma Kamal flower in your moon garden (Image Source: Unsplash)

Plant species to include in a moon garden

Mrunmayee Pande, landscape architect and proprietor at Mskapesstudio says, “There are also some unique species, including Brahma Kamal, which bloom only after sunset or parijata, which have a strong fragrance, especially during the night,” as she suggests the following plant species for moon gardens that can be grown in containers:

For shaded balconies –

• Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Brahma Kamal)
• Spathiphyllum (peace lily)

For sunny balconies (with a minimum 6 hours of sunlight available) –

• Cestrum nocturnum (night blooming jasmine)
• Jasmine sambac (mogra/ Arabian jasmine)
• White adenium/Desert Rose

Steps to create a moon garden at home

A moon garden is not just something you plant, it is a space to experience and unwind in. Creating a moon garden at home can be simple, and here’s how you can do it, as suggested by Giulia Baima:

• Start with a small garden bed or a cluster of pots near a seating area.
• Incorporate reflective elements such as white gravel, pale stone or a small water feature to enhance the natural glow of moonlight.
• Soft lighting, including lanterns or solar lights, can further add to the ambience without overpowering the space.
• Most importantly, create a comfortable spot to sit back and enjoy it.

Things to keep in mind while building a moon garden:

Stressing that there are no space constraints when it comes to moon gardens as one can grow these flowers inside small pots in balconies or even on terraces, Mrunmayee, however, highlights climate consideration to be an important factor. “One has to check the amount of sunlight entering their balconies or terraces and at what time, based on which the type of plants should be considered.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.