How to create a moon garden
Moon gardens are set to be a big trend for summer 2023. While outdoor lighting and fire pits have long stretched our enjoyment of al fresco spaces beyond sunset, the moon garden concept goes that bit further – it’s about shifting the focus from day to night as a conscious choice, so that our gardens are not simply functional after dusk, but actually come alive in the moonlight.
What is a moon garden?
‘A moon garden is the conscious designing of an outdoor space to be appreciated equally at night, by moonlight, as in traditional afternoon sun,’ says a spokesperson for Bramblecrest, the garden furniture specialists championing the trend.
‘A moon garden also has the added benefit of enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors and certain wildlife which come to life at night.’
What are the benefits of a moon garden?
Aside from the health benefits of getting active in the outdoors, moon gardens come offer wellbeing benefits, too. ‘Moon gardens can be an ideal place to take some personal time out to unwind, be more mindful, and to give yourself some much needed peace and quiet after a busy day,’ says psychologist and TV broadcaster Honey Langcaster-James.
‘Going out to your outdoor space can provide you with both a literal and figurative breath of fresh air, helping to boost your mood and separate your more productive daytime period from your evening wind-down,’ she adds. ‘This can put you into a restful mindset which will likely better prepare you for a good night’s sleep.’
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What kind of site works best?
An open area is the best place for a moon garden as it allows you to admire the stars, without trees and shrubs blocking any moonlight. Pay attention to where the light and shadows are in your garden will also help you improve the aesthetics of it.
Ideally, a moon garden will be visible from inside the home, so even if you don’t fancy sitting in the garden, you can enjoy the sight.
What plants do you put in a moon garden?
Fill your moon garden with shrubs, flowers and trees such as jasmine, lily and wisteria – all of these have a powerful scent once the sun goes down and trigger endorphins to bring a feeling of happiness and contentment. These also encourage night time visits from animals such as nightingales, robins and owls which further creates a night time atmosphere for your garden space.
How do you create a moon garden?
Follow these five steps to create your own moon garden…
1. Focus on lighting
Lighting will help to showcase the delights of your moon garden, particularly if the night is overcast or moonless. But don’t go too bright – opt for string lights, candles and lanterns.
Edinburgh USB Solar Micro LED Festoon Lights (set of 10), £39.99 from The Solar Centre
2. Create pathways
Pathways that lead to your moon garden are add to the sense of mystery and intrigue. Make sure that they can easily be navigated at night by using white gravel, or adding soft lights to illuminate the way.
Photo: Lights4fun
3. Comfort is key
Somewhere to sit and take it all in is key, so look for comfortable garden furniture with deep, plump cushions and a footrest so you can recline. Blankets will be essential as the temperature drops, and cushions will add to the sense of cosiness. A hanging egg chair, the outdoor staple made famous by Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch, is another great addition to a moon garden – the gentle swinging motion will add to the calming, serene experience.
Ember grey ceramic firepit table, £949 from Danetti
4. Engage the senses
Ensure the smell, sight and sound of your space are heightened to make the experience extra special. Traditional scents like rosemary and lavender, alongside white jasmine and honeysuckle, will release their fragrance into the evening air. Adding a water feature will add a soothing soundscape, while reflecting the moonlight. Plants such as bamboo will also rustle in the evening breeze. Lighting and a flickering firepit takes care of the sight element.
Photo: Bramblecrest
5. Add celestial accessories
Go one step further with your moon garden by adding plants with star-shaped flowers, and creating planting beds shaped like crescents to symbolise the moon. You could even go full fairycore to add to the mystical, magical experience.
Starburst copper fairy lights, £25.95 from Sparkle Lighting
Shop the moon garden look
- Grey smoked festoon lights, £55 from Cox and Cox
- Moon wool throw, £117 from J.J Textiles
- Teal outdoor solar lanterns, £40 from Talking Tables
- Star lanterns, from £16.95 from Paper Star Lights
- Galaxy Champagne saucers, £36 from Natalia Willmott
- Solar powered outdoor LED lantern, £15, B&Q
- Moon dance metal coffee table set, £650, Sazy
