White, cream or yellow flowering plants literally jump out of the muted green growth to create a new & dramatic experience. Along with the pale colored flowers, plants with foliage of grey or silver become more interesting and iridescent under night lighting. Because it's the leaves of these plants that reflect light, you can enhance this feature all year-round with the simple addition and manipulation of garden lighting.

Among the many 'stars' of the night garden, you might consider the White Guara, whose flowers hover above the shadowy foliage and light the night like dancing moths Shasta Daisies sparkle like stars in the night sky, even drifts of petunias appear to glow. Calla Lilies with their snow-white flowers can produce a wonderful night show. Consider the double blessings of the gardenia on a mild night - fragrance & beauty. An excellent suggestion for a ground cover would be Snow in Summer (CERASTIUM tomentosum), a glowing sea of white in the evening garden. On the fence and arbor, consider Star Jasmine, which can create the impression of an ocean of fragrant stars touching your garden. Honeysuckle's fragrance perfumes the air and the annual Moonflower (IPOMEA alba) with its huge white trumpet flowers graces us at dusk, releasing a light perfume through the night air.

And don't forget the shades of silver & grey. Santolina, Artemesia, Lamb's Ears and Dusty Miller all add a dimension of their own in the pale moonlight.

Remeber, the moonlight garden is always waiting for you longafter the day at the office is finished, the dishes washed and the children tucked in. Take a moment to wander outdoors and get acquainted with the garden that waits there.

Portions of this article come by way of our friends at Master Nursery Garden Centers. Thank You!

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