There’s something quietly magical about the garden at night, especially when you have the time to site and enjoy the experience. The world slows. The breeze softens. Colours fade into silvery shadows, and the stars begin their shift. It’s in that gentle hush — after the sauna steam, after the cold shower in the trees — that we dreamt up our next idea.
We’re building a Moon Garden (sometimes known as a lunar garden or a twilight garden). And we’re rather excited about it.
What is a Moon Garden, anyway?
A moon garden is a space designed to come alive in the evening hours — filled with plants that glow under moonlight, flowers that release their fragrance after dusk, and textures that shimmer and sway in the gentlest breeze. Instead of relying on bright colour and bold blooms, moon gardens are about subtle beauty: white flowers, silvery foliage, pale grasses, and soft lighting to guide your way.
Think of it as a night-time haven — part wild, part whimsical — made to soothe the senses.
Why we’re building one at Quabbs
Our Sauna Shack sits just across from the meadow, wrapped in trees and views, with a cold rainfall shower tucked into the woodland edge. After a good sweat, there’s nothing better than stepping outside — steam still curling from your skin — and feeling the cool air kiss your cheeks.
But we wanted to take that feeling one step further.
We wanted to create a space where you could continue to unwind, outside, barefoot, wrapped in a robe — and still be surrounded by beauty.
A place where you could sit with a warm drink, listen to the owls calling across the hills, and breathe in the scent of night-blooming jasmine or sweet rocket. A place to pause before bed, or to wake gently with the dawn. A moonlit nook. A dream garden. A wild, starlit exhale.
A space for guests — and for nature
Of course, being Quabbs, it’s not just about how it looks or feels. We also wanted to create something that gives back — a space that invites wildlife in and supports our local ecosystem, all while we soak up the steam and stars.
Here’s how moon gardens help nature thrive:
Night-time pollinators
While the bees bed down, moths, bats, and beetles clock in. Pale blooms and strong evening scents (like nicotiana, night-scented stock, and evening primrose) help guide them. And those moths? They help feed bats — who in turn keep midges at bay. Nature really does have it all worked out.
Wild shelters and soft landings
By using soft plants, seed heads, and wild edges, we’re creating little hideouts for frogs, toads, hedgehogs, and early-rising birds. We’re letting parts of it grow a bit loose and feral — just how nature likes it.
Biodiversity boosters
A good mix of native plants and old cottage garden favourites makes for a richer, more diverse habitat. From hoverflies to hedgehogs, they all benefit from a well-stocked moon buffet.
A gentler way of gardening
Because moon gardens don’t demand manicured lawns or heavy pruning, we can keep it all low-impact and organic. No-dig beds, composting, mulching — the whole thing is designed to let the land breathe, and life take root.
What we’re planting
We’re mixing texture, scent, softness, and shimmer. Here’s a sneak peek at some of our plant list:
White cosmos, moonflower, and nicotiana
Night-scented stock, valerian, sweet rocket
Silver artemisia, ornamental grasses, chamomile paths
Lavender, lamb’s ear, and ferns for softness and structure
And because Paul never rests, we’ll have rustic benches, soft lighting, maybe even a fire bowl or two to add a little extra glow.
Come walk with us under the stars
We’ll be sharing the progress as it grows — the planting, the wild bits, the bits that don’t go to plan, and the peaceful evenings once it starts to bloom.
If you’ve ever planted a moon garden, experienced one, or have a favourite night-scented plant, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a message or comment — your ideas might end up rooted right here in our hillside hideaway.
Until then…
We’ll be dreaming under the stars, trowel in hand, and imagining what it will feel like to step from the sauna, through the trees, and into moonlight.