On May 12, the full flower moon will appear in the sky representing renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. Seasoned southern New England gardeners recognize this event as the official kickoff of the gardening season. A rich tapestry of tradition and folklore surrounds the practice of lunar gardening. This ancient concept is based on the belief that each moon phase infuses the garden with distinct energies. 

Just as the moon's gravitational pull affects the tides, it is believed to influence the underground activities of plant roots during various lunar phases. The gravitational force is at its peak during the new moon, prompting many to harness this energy for planting new seedlings.

In contrast, the full moon is often seen as the ideal time for harvesting. Ultimately, the enchantment of lunar gardening lies in its reminder to stay attuned to nature and its natural rhythms. It also serves as a gentle reminder that garden life persists even after the sun sets! 

For millions of years there has been a night shift at work pollinating plants and trees, yet until recently little was known about these nocturnal visitors. Intriguing scientific findings have now revealed that moths are in fact the overlooked champions of pollination. That is good news since in the world of pollinators moths outnumber butterflies by 15 to 1. Findings reveal that moths pollinate apple trees with the same efficiency as bees and their fuzzy underbellies serve as excellent carriers of pollen, facilitating the transfer between flowers. 

So, how does this relate to your garden? Just as many neighbors are crafting vibrant pollinator gardens to attract the buzzing visitors of the day — bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds — so too can life filled spaces be conjured for the wondrous winged beings of the night, manifested in the form of magical moon gardens. 

Escape to the moon garden

We often envision gardens as places to be savored during sunny afternoons, overlooking the enchanting possibilities that darkness brings. By cultivating a moon garden, you introduce a sense of wonder to your space after sunset while simultaneously supporting essential nighttime pollinators. A well-crafted moon garden will also entice local insect-eating bats, who will captivate you with their aerial displays and naturally help control mosquitoes. 

To create a mystical moon garden, select an open area in the yard that will benefit most from moonlight reflections. Be sure that it is sited in an area that you can enjoy — perhaps in a spot near a patio, walkway or front porch. Or create a new seating area as a destination place to visit under the light of the moon. Select plants with white flowers and silvery and fuzzy foliage, all of which will shimmer after dark.  

A good moon garden is also a rich sensory garden, providing a distinctive experience even on the darkest of nights. Fragrance should hang in the air, attracting pollinators and awakening the senses of those nearby. The soft rustling of native grasses, such as Little Bluestem or Pink Muhly Grass or the rattle of unique seed heads like those of the Baptisia plant add whimsy to the nocturnal soundscape.  

Plants with fuzzy, textured, or fragrant leaves are ideal for gently brushing against as you wander by soaking in the moonlit views. One of our own favorite plants in the night-scape is Sweetfern, an underutilized carefree native shrub with a wonderful texture and fragrance. As an added benefit it also serves as a natural mosquito repellent when crushed while wandering by. 

When selecting plants, focus on a foundation of native plants which co-evolved with our pollinators and thus support them best throughout their entire lifespan. Shrubs and small trees like Summersweet, Sweetbay Magnolia, Witch Hazel, Fothergilla, Bayberry, and White Flowering Dogwood create structure in the space. Perennials like Mountain Mint, Garden Phlox, Anise Hyssop, Culver’s Root, Foam Flower, Goatsbeard, Penstemon, Rattlesnake Master, and Prickly Pear Cactus invite night pollinators while dazzling the eye. And the addition of a twining vine like Clematis Virginiana or American Wisteria brings a vertical whimsy to the space.  

With a native foundation in place, layer in a few must have moon garden flowering annuals like Flowering Tobacco, Cleome, and Cosmos. For greatest impact plant in bold drifts. Then when the moon washes over the garden, the pale flowers will truly shine.  

Let nature light up the night

To fully enjoy your garden addition, turn off the outdoor lights. The otherworldly glow of your moon garden will be best appreciated in an area lit with nothing other than the moon and stars. Nighttime pollinators, birds and other wildlife will be grateful for a break from artificial light as well.

For billions of years the Earth existed as a rhythm of night and day marked only by the sun and the moon and stars, and most of life evolved in sync with this system. But now, light pollution is wreaking havoc with the environment, wildlife and even with human health.  

There is one form of light we hope you will enjoy from your new moon garden, and that is the mystical flashes of fireflies on a warm summer night. As is the case with many other insects, firefly populations are in rapid decline. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help them thrive. First, avoid pesticides and let them live. From lawn treatments to mosquito fogging, beneficial insects such as fireflies are under constant assault from insecticides that kill indiscriminately. Forgo these products and watch beneficial life return.  

Secondly, fireflies need a place to live, and for the 20 or so species that call New England home that means places like leaf debris, rotting logs or fallen branches — the very kinds of things gardeners are often quick to remove. Fireflies also need slime, yes slime! And they get this from other insects like slugs or Japanese beetle grubs. Indeed, given a chance firefly larvae make quick work of ridding the yard of garden pests. Good news for nature and for gardeners. 

Fireflies thrive in darkness. The mesmerizing flash patterns we enjoy observing serve as essential communication signals, but darkness is needed for the signals to work. So, turn down the lights and let the vital creatures of the night get back to work. Then, sit back and relish their enchanting displays while unwinding in your magical moon garden!  

 “Life in the Garden” brings eco-friendly garden tips from Cindy and Ed Moura of Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium, where they are passionate about helping people realize the essential role everyone can play in supporting life right outside their own doors