Gardening at Night

Even though we are normally daytime creatures, our gardens are still functioning at night. Native gardens at night are home to many creatures like moths, owls, bats, toads, racoons, and lightning bugs. Some plants bloom all night long or even open at night to take advantage of nighttime pollinators. Pollinated by the sphynx moth, the Missouri evening primrose opens in the evening and closes in the morning. Flower scents are stronger at night to attract insects that rely more heavily on their sense of smell in the dark. Moths navigate more by smell then by sight so they appreciate flowers with fragrance. Flowers will often increase the amount of fragrance they release at night to attract pollinating moths. I like to stand on my deck in the evening and just breath in all the good nighttime smells.

The garden at night can be a more pleasant retreat than during the heat of day during Missouri summers. Gardens with lots of vegetation can trap cool air and humidity at night to make a little oasis for creatures to take a break from the summer heat.

Special times to be in the garden after dark are in the spring to hear the frogs and toads start to sing. In the heat of summer crickets chirp and firefly’s flash. Owls are exciting to listen for especially when they are making their matting calls. Fall bird migrations continue through the night with geese calling from high overhead. Stay out late on full moons to see the garden glow or on new moons to experience the darkness. Watch for shooting stars and the passing of satellites.

We have 11000 species of moth in the US. A fun activity to do after dark is to hang up a white sheet with a light pointed at it. Moths and beetles are drawn to the light where they are easy to study and identify. But be sure to turn the light off when you are done to release the moths to perform their nightly duties. Lights left on after dark can confuse night flying insects. Lightning bugs use their light flashes to find each other, so an artificial light can disrupt their ability to find mates. Even birds can be confused by artificial light. A truly dark yard can be hard to obtain unless neighbors share the same values. Dark skies full of stars are awe inspiring but light pollution can make them hard to find.

On a spring evening I like to put out my game camera to see who visits in the night. I often capture photos of raccoons, opossums, and rabbits. In the morning the camera role reveals what I missed overnight.

Try to spend more time in the garden at night this year. Look for ways to appreciate sunsets and sunrises by placing seating in a good location to take in the view. I love to watch the summer sunset from my porch with a margarita in hand as it falls behind a large oak in my yard. I enjoy the progression of birds across the sky, first the regular daytime birds heading home to roost, then the swifts swooping above, then the bats come out, finally the hidden owl hoot. We all should get in the habit of taking a final walk before bed to enjoy our gardens at night.