MOON GARDENS & WHITE GARDENS

The warm nights of summer draw us into our gardens like the luna moths who share the darkness.  This is the time of white flowers, glowing in the light of a full moon, candles, and softly lit lamps. These are 'moon gardens.'  One of the greatest pleasures of a night garden is its sweet fragrance.  Being shy in color, white flowers rely on their enchanting fragrance to attract pollinators.


The allure of an all-white garden isn't limited to the night.  The famed white garden at Sissinghurst, created by Vita Sackville-West, remains one of the most enchanting gardens of all time.

A white garden consists, of course, of white flowering plants, offset with rich green foliage.  To add a twist of contrast, some gardeners plant burgundy or chocolate leafed bushes or flowers.


Here are just some of the gorgeous creatures you can use for your own private Sissinghurst... 


NOTE:  Drought tolerant plants are marked with a "DT"
            Fragrant plants are marked with an "F"


ROSES, always


New Dawn climbing rose

Souvenir de la Malmaison, an old English rose  F
Sharif Asama, a David Austen rose   F
Pilgrim, another David Austen   F
Climbing white Iceberg rose
 

PLANTS TO ATTRACTS BUTTERFLIES AND HUMMINGBIRDS
Chamomile
Valerian  DT

White Hebe
Salvia Waverly  DT
White Ceanothus  F, DT

                                 White Heliotrope (which smells like vanilla) F   
                        
                                  PLANTS FOR SHADE
Angel Wing Jasmine   F
Diamond Frost Euphorbia  DT
Brugmansia   F   Caution:  This plant is highly toxic



Hosta
Spring Bouquet Viburnum  F  (Berries in winter also attract birds)

South African Jasmine   F
Snowball Viburnum


White Astilbe

Marble Queen Coprosma






BURGUNDY & CHOCOLATE ACCENT PLANTS

Blackbird Euphorbia

Schwarzkopf Aeonium  DT

Berberis (Barberry)

Cotinus.  A small ornamental tree

Phormium.  DT. There are several burgundy varieties.