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When it comes to wildlife gardens, most people focus on daytime pollinators—bees buzzing around sunflowers or butterflies dancing through milkweed. But what about the creatures that come to life after dark? Bats play a key role in our ecosystems, and creating a moon garden is a great way to support these underappreciated nighttime visitors.
Not only do bats help keep insect populations in check (including mosquitoes—thank you, bats!), but many species also rely on the same plants that attract moths and other nocturnal pollinators. So, if you’re already planting native flowers to support bees and birds, it’s easy to adjust your garden to benefit these nocturnal heroes too. And let’s face it—there’s something magical about a garden that glows in the moonlight!
A moon garden is designed to shine after sunset with pale flowers and silver foliage that reflect the soft glow of the moon. These gardens typically feature plants that bloom at night or have strong fragrances, attracting moths and other nocturnal insects. And where there are moths, bats aren’t far behind—they rely on these insects as a food source.
Planting a moon garden not only adds evening beauty to your yard but also creates habitat for the bats and bugs that make up an important part of our local ecosystem. It’s a win-win: You get to enjoy a peaceful, glowing garden, and wildlife gets a reliable food source and shelter.
Native Plants that Shine in a Moon Garden
If you’re gardening in Minnesota, native plants are your best bet—they’re adapted to the local environment and help maintain biodiversity. Here’s a list of great native options that will make your moon garden a beautiful and functional space for bats, moths, and more.
Night-Blooming and Pale Flowers
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) – Early summer blooms that add brightness.
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – White flowers that glow softly under moonlight.
Thimbleweed (Anemone canadensis) – Delicate white blooms that sway in the breeze.
Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) – Silvery, papery flowers that last through fall.
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) – A fragrant favorite for pollinators, day or night.
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium) – Spiky white flowers that add dramatic texture.
Grasses and Ground Covers with Silvery Foliage
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – Fine-textured grass that glimmers at dusk.
River Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) – Ornamental seed heads that move with the wind.
Silvery Sedge (Carex argyrantha) – Pale green blades that reflect moonlight.
Shrubs and Vines for Evening Interest
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) – White berries that add interest year-round.
New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) – Compact with dense, white flowers in early summer.
Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana) – A climbing vine with delicate flowers that cascade over trellises.
Bats are nature’s pest control, eating thousands of insects every night. In fact, a single bat can consume its body weight in insects—including mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and agricultural pests. This makes them crucial allies in maintaining healthy ecosystems and even helps farmers reduce the need for pesticides.
Unfortunately, many bat populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and diseases like white-nose syndrome. That’s why creating a welcoming environment in your yard—whether through bat houses, moon gardens, or pesticide-free landscaping—can make a big difference.
Your moon garden won’t just look good; it’ll become a part of the local ecosystem. Many insectivorous bats rely on moths and other night-flying insects for food. By planting night-blooming flowers, you’re helping those insects thrive, which in turn supports the bats that rely on them.
Plus, a moon garden is a lovely place for evening relaxation. Picture this: You’re sitting outside on a warm summer night, with pale flowers glowing in the moonlight, the air filled with the scent of mint, and the occasional flutter of bat wings overhead. It’s nature’s version of a light show, and it all starts with a few carefully chosen plants.
Creating a moon garden doesn’t have to be complicated—start small with a few key plants and build from there. Group plants with pale flowers and silver foliage to maximize their moonlit glow, and try adding a birdbath or water feature to attract even more wildlife. And remember: The less you use pesticides, the more your garden will flourish naturally, providing a safe haven for both day and night creatures.
So this Bat Month, why not give moon gardening a try? Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, planting a moon garden is a fun, meaningful way to connect with nature—both day and night.
Happy planting! And may your nights be filled with glowing flowers, buzzing moths, and the graceful swoop of bats under the moonlit sky.
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