“With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?” —Oscar Wilde
Gardeners are often fixated on weather and, of course, the sun. Will it come out today? Will it be too hot? What direction does it travel? Where is the shade? Sun, sun, sun. But there is another light source to consider when planting our gardens – the one that governs the night, the moon. It, too, may have a say in gardening practices and how we choose to enjoy time in the garden.
For as long as humans have been planting crops for food, they have relied on the phases of the moon to determine what and when to plant. While modern-day science-minded folks may poo-poo this methodology, the practice has been tried and true for centuries. For followers of this practice, the belief is that the water in the ground and plants are affected by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, just like the oceans (and most likely humans too!). When the tides are highest during the new and full phases of the moon, both seeds and the ground absorb and hold the most water, making it the perfect time to plant certain crops. Today, this practice is still in fashion, with many resources for gardeners to learn how to better connect with the rhythms of the earth and the skies for successful gardening. A great resource for a step-by-step guide on how to follow the moon phases for what to plant when is the Farmer’s Almanac. This magnificent publication has been around since 1818 and is filled with great articles, gardening facts, myths, trivia, calendar guides and tons of great tips for successful planting. Plus, it’s a fun read.
Each full moon of the year is associated with either an animal or plant. January for instance is the Wolf Moon. The March full moon is known as the Worm Moon, signaling the earth is beginning to thaw. April’s is called the Pink Moon due to the abundance of spring blossoms. May is the flower moon, June welcomes the Strawberry Moon and September the Harvest Moon. Over the course of a month, (or 29½ days to be exact) the moon goes through four phases, new, full, and two quarter phases. Some lucky months get two full moons – a.k.a. a blue moon. When the moon is waxing, (growing bigger) or waning (smaller), certain crops are supposed to be planted according to this method. Above ground plants, especially leafy greens should go in while the moon is waxing. When it begins to wane put in the root crops.
Another lovely way to connect with lunar energy in the garden is to plant an area with primarily white blossoms, silver leafed plants, and flowers that bloom during the night. A dark corner of the garden filled with these will brighten right up during any day, but in the light of a silvery moon, it will come to magical new life. Moon gardens are easy to create. Just like starting any garden bed, be sure check the quality of the soil conditions, such as clay or sandy, moist or dry, alkaline or acid, and modify as needed. Then select and plant annuals, perennials, vines or shrubs that will thrive – in this case also selecting for color (primarily white and silver), texture and fragrance. These lovely spaces help to extend the hours of enjoyment and entertainment outdoors.
Plants that reflect the most light include snowball or climbing hydrangeas, white lilies, tulips, phlox, roses, lambs ear, Russian sage, and certain variegated hostas. For fragrance, consider some lovely annuals such as white alyssum, petunias, or dianthis. Some flowers bloom only at night, such as lovely vining moon flowers, evening primrose, and night-blooming jasmine.
Once your shimmery garden is in bloom, call on your friends and family to enjoy a full moon garden party, complete with Swiss cheese inspired appetizers, cosmos and a great lunar playlist for some marvelous moon dancing. Add some lanterns and candles to enhance the mood and enjoy!
By Cheryl Farley
