A Guide to Gardens That Look Best After Dark

How to create a yard of plants and flowers that shine by the light of the moon.

How to Plant an Evening Garden

Location: Before you pick a spot, observe the moon’s path for several nights and note where it is least obstructed by trees and casts the fewest shadows. Peacefulness is paramount, so be sure to keep a safe distance from neighbors.
 
 What to plant: To ensure the greatest nocturnal visibility, settle on a palette of pale petals and foliage that really stands out at night. Try cleome, fragrant nicotiana (flowering tobacco), ‘White Wave’ petunias, angels’ trumpets, and sweet alyssum.
 
 The layout: Plant the front edge of the garden bed with low ground covers. In the middle, use plants that stand between 12 and 24 inches tall. Anchor the back of the garden with plants that are at least two feet high. (Read plant tags to check their height specs.) Make sure soil and light are adequate: To do their job in the evening hours, these plants need good growing conditions during the day.