Many times for busy gardeners, the evenings are our only free hours to "stop and smell the roses". A wonderful way to enjoy this time is to make a special effort selecting plants that show off well in the twilight hours or under the light of the moon.

In a flowering garden at night, the most visible blossoms are those with the lightest colors - white, cream, or shades of yellow.[1] Among the annuals are a wealth of choices from the low growing alyssum, impatiens and petunia to the tall stately spider plant, nicotiana, and cosmos. If it is perennials you prefer, look for white phlox, lilies, shasta daisy, iris. gas plant,, lily of the valley and yuccca to name a few. In addition you might consider a vine such as moonflower or the white form of cup-and-saucer vine.

Foliage has color as well, so don't neglect to include plants that are grown primarily for their grey or yellow green leaves.[2] These would include the grey dusty miller, lamb's ear, and artemesia, the variegated or gold leafed hostas, and lime green coleus.

And finally the addition of some evening scented plants will provide a fragrance that can be enjoyed long into the night. Night blooming stocks, four o'clocks, hosta plantaginea, and oriental lilies all release into the nighttime air a heavenly perfume.[3]

After a busy day at the office, the evening garden can be a refreshing haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.