Columnists
In the moonlight garden
With the advent of outdoor lighting, the Moonlight Garden seems to have disappeared from today’s landscape designer’s repertoire. All of the nighttime attention has been placed on using up-lights, down-lights and path-lights to create dramatic impact in our gardens that we know look good at night; trees, rocks and features of the home. Unfortunately, we now overlook some of the special moments that happen in the dark in our backyard places. The moments that we can’t control, just appreciate.
The concept of designing a garden to be enjoyed at night is not a new one. With incredible examples in Japanese, English and Indian landscape designs, having a garden that comes to life at the end of the day is very special in almost every culture. Considering that most Canadians spend the majority of their time enjoying the backyard at night, taking inspiration from these historic landscapes is the perfect way to maximize our outdoor enjoyment.
Plant selection is arguably the most important part when creating a Moonlight Garden as this garden is all about activating your senses—the ones that get neglected in the office or at work.
Traditionally, white flowering plants are used in low light because they visually glow at night. I always include pure white hydrangeas like the classic ‘Annabelle’ or one of the new varieties like ‘Bobo’. Also consider incorporating grey and silver foliage alongside the white bloomers. I will often gravitate towards Arctic Willows and Myrica (Bayberry) as a backdrop to a white rhododendron or a flush of dwarf white lilacs. These silver-leaved plants may be the accompaniment to the showier flowers, but they are very important in bridging the light and darks among your plant choices. This visual texture should not be overlooked. Make sure to include specimens that cast shadows because they create the mystery and the dark in your gardens, constantly changing. I use ferns or textured hostas to add visual dimension alongside my grey and white flowering choices.
Moonlight gardens unfortunately don’t always have light at night to enjoy them by. This is why scent in the garden is so important. Even when you can’t see the flowers in a space, being able to smell the intoxicating floral aromas still allows you to enjoy being there. Classic choices for their smells will always be the roses. Classic roses like ‘Madame Plantier’ fill the backyard with an incredible perfume your guests won’t soon forget. If not roses, try options like honeysuckle or verbena to add a heady fragrance. If you prefer more spice and less floral, add herbs like sage and thymes. Sound and movement play a pivotal role in the garden at night. Your sense of sound gets overwhelmed on a daily basis. Hearing the soft swish of a tall miscanthus or even the flutter of the leaves on a Trembling Aspen gives a single point of auditory reference. I will often include water to accomplish the same purpose. Having one soothing sound helps to block out all of the other ambient noises that occur around our homes.
Finally, add a place for yourself in the garden. Whether a bench or a chair beside the path, create a spot just for you in this magical space. Wherever you choose, humour me and plant some lamb’s ear beside it. I’m convinced that rubbing these soft leaves between your fingers is nature’s version of stress relief.
Moonlight gardens are places for being quiet and reflective. These are not the gardens for outdoor celebrations and parties. Choose locations away from the hot tubs and swimming pools. Choose the corner of your property that is the darkest at night as these gardens are all about heightening the senses as the world goes black around you. The moonlight garden is the spot to escape to at the end of a long day where you can let all of your worries just slip away.
Comments (0)