MARYVILLE— Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist, says twilight gardens delight the senses of sight and smell by adding another dimension to the gardening experience.
Also known as moon gardens, twilight gardens use white flowers and plants to capture reflected moonlight. “The use of the color white showcases how we can, with planning, extend our garden enjoyment into the evening,” Funk says.
Using moonglow to reflect off-white flowers is not new. In Massachusetts in the 1830s, Benjamin Poore created a landscape of white flowers, including daffodils and honeysuckle. He also included white dogs, sheep, cows and other animals.
In the 1930s, Vita Sackville-West created a “white garden” at Sissinghurst Castle in England. She used white stone and flowers such as delphinium, foxglove, hydrangea and artemisia.
Funk says plants with white flowers or white, silvery or variegated leaves transform a daytime garden into a tranquil moon garden. To add another sensory element, plant fragrant night-blooming flowers within existing beds or pots.
Consider varying textures, forms and silhouettes by including grasses, flowers, vines, shrubs and trees, she says. The color palette should include white, ivory, pale yellow, lavender, silver and gray for the lightest reflection.
Additionally, place a water feature in your twilight garden to add the sound of trickling water. A small pool with floating white water-lilies will reflect moonlight and add interest. “If you use artificial lighting for walkways or uneven surfaces, keep it subdued and aim for amber-colored light instead of blue to avoid confusing nighttime pollinators,” Funk says. “Add comfortable seating so you can sit and absorb this wonderful sensory experience.”
She says night bloomers attract often overlooked but important pollinators, including unique moths, beetles, flies and bees.
The moonflower is probably the most famous moon garden plant. It is part of the Morning Glory family. Its huge, fragrant white flowers open at twilight. The plant blooms for most of the growing season and can form climbing vines up to 10 feet long.
Jennifer Schutter, MU Extension horticulture specialist in Adair County, has grown moonflowers from seed for several years. In the past, she planted them in May, but they didn’t bloom until September. This year, she planted the seeds indoors in April, transplanted them outside in May and had blooms by late June.
Funk says that late summer to early fall is a great time to plant if you are creating a garden from scratch.
Choose a location open to moonlight but close to the house to enjoy the flowers’ fragrance. Remember that these flowers are part of your overall garden, and consider how they look during the day.
Fragrant plant choices include lilacs, peonies, daylilies, jasmine, honeysuckle and mock orange. Plants with silvery foliage include dusty miller, pussy toes, some varieties of sage and lavender and artemisia.
Missouri evening primrose is a native flower essential to nighttime pollinators. This showy yellow flower opens in the late afternoon and remains open through the night. The twilight glow showcases this important pollinator host plant.
As you choose your plants, remember, “the right plant in the right place,” says Funk. Environmental factors such as soil, sunlight, wind and water availability are still important. Choose varieties not considered invasive or noxious weeds, and plant in groups for the most impact.
Go to https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2010/7/Twilight-Gardens/ for more tips from MU Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein.
