More Gray-leaved Herbs for a Silver Themed Herbal Moon Garden

Silver-themed herb gardens, planted in full sun, turn into magical moon gardens at night when the moonbeams reflect off the soft gray leaves. Both the moon and herbal plants are deeply rooted in ancient folklore and combine well when they are garden companions. Choosing the right plant is crucial in the creation of a moon garden.

Color and Texture in Herb Garden Design

Gardens with vividly colored flowers are always popular but color in the garden is a personal choice. Sometimes a calming effect is desired instead of hot and riotous reds, purples, and oranges. Soft and subdued shades especially grays, silvers, and whites can give a soothing touch especially when viewed in the evening by moonlight.

Color and texture are key elements in any garden design. Silver themed herb gardens provide a neutral, but sparkling, color theme which comes alive under the night sky, and texture is a built-in bonus with gray-leaved herbs which tend to be finely-cut and lacy, or thick and velvety.

Gray-leaved Herbs in Xeriscape Gardening

Practical considerations too enter into the design of a silver-themed herb garden. Most gray-leaved herbs are very drought resistant and suit xeriscape (“dry landscaping”) gardening very well. These environmentally friendly gardens use less water whether from a well or municipal supply, and require less labor in maintenance. Low-water silver-themed herb gardens have great ecological, as well as aesthetic, appeal — not to mention “moon-appeal.”

Choose these Herb Plants: Artemisias, Lavender, Yarrow and More

Design a herb garden with the soft moon-appeal of muted grays and silvers. Here are some more of the favorite herb plants that make good companions in the moon garden:

• Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) This shrub-like artemisia needs some pruning to keep its shape. This tall herb (may grow to five feet) will suit the back of the silver herb moon garden and will provide a feathery backdrop for other silver-leaved herbs. Quite drought-resistant, the feathery leaves of southernwood make an effective moth repellent. Just dry the leaves, crumble and put in sachets

• Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus) Also called Lavender Cotton or Gray Santolina. This very fragrant plant will, if left unclipped, produce small yellow flowers, or if clipped will form neat edging. It’s a tender perennial and so may best be treated as an annual.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Everyone’s favorite, English lavender produces lavender (what else?) colored flower stems that, if harvested when in bud, dry well for wonderfully aromatic arrangements, or pot pourri. Popular since antiquity, lavender was used to perfume bath water. Also used in teas or as a flavoring in baking, lavender is pleasantly versatile. In the silver-themed herb garden, lavender is best if mulched with an inch or two of coarse sand and given good air circulation. And remember, lots of sunshine.

• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Another of the varied Artemisias. Its primary use, as a cure for intestinal worms, may be guessed from its name. In medieval times, a salve made from wormwood was believed to drive away goblins who visited nocturnally. Very drought-resistant, this tall herb would suit the back of the silver-themed herb garden. Grown for its foliage, wormwood produces insignificant flowers. ‘Lambrook Silver’ is an improved cultivar with very delicate silvery-white foliage.

• Yarrow ( Achillea sp) For the best silver-gray leaves a good choice is Moonshine Yarrow (A. taygetea ‘Moonshine’), whose name alone should make it a favorite for a moon garden. Woolly Yarrow (A. tomentosa) too has gray leaves and makes a compact, low edging plant. The name Achillea is taken from the Greek hero, Achilles. During the Trojan war it is said that a plant similar to yarrow was used to treat his soldiers’ wounds. The sturdy yet lace-like yarrow flowers dry well and will grace winter arrangements with summer memories.

• Curryplant (Helichrysum italicum) Although rubbing the silver foliage of this herb plant will release a hint of curry fragrance, this isn’t the source of the well-known Indian seasoning. But it still makes an attractive silver-leaved addition and is a conversation starter with visitors. It’s a tender perennial, best treated as an annual.

See Designing a Silver Herb Moon Garden with Artemisias and More for tips on planning a silver themed herb garden, including site selection, planters, and added artistic touches. Create a special place where the magic of herbal plants and moonlight come together.

References:

Lust, John B. The Herb Book. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1987.

McClure, Susan. The Herb Gardener: a Guide for all Seasons. Pownal, VT: Storey Communications, Inc., 1996.