NEWBERRY – For many gardeners, the enjoyment of a landscape ends when the sun goes down. But a growing gardening trend is encouraging people to see their outdoor spaces in a different light by experiencing them after dark.
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office will host a program June 9 exploring the concept of the night garden, a landscape intentionally designed to be enjoyed during the evening hours.
Unlike traditional landscapes that rely primarily on colorful blooms and visual appeal during daylight hours, night gardens focus on engaging multiple senses after sunset. Fragrance often takes center stage, with plants releasing their strongest scents during the evening while pale-colored flowers and reflective foliage create a subtle glow under moonlight.
The presentation, titled “The Night Garden,” will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Agriculture Auditorium, 22716 W. Newberry Road. The program will be presented by Environmental Horticulture Agent Cynthia Nazario-Leary and Master Gardener volunteers.
According to UF/IFAS Extension, night gardens are thoughtfully designed landscapes that emphasize plants and features best experienced after dusk. They engage the senses beyond sight, particularly fragrance, while also providing essential resources for nocturnal pollinators.
Florida’s climate makes it especially well-suited for night gardens. During much of the year, outdoor temperatures remain warm into the evening, allowing homeowners to enjoy patios, porches and backyard spaces long after the heat of the day has passed.
A successful night garden often incorporates white or light-colored flowers that stand out in low light, silver-toned foliage that reflects moonlight and fragrant plants that become more noticeable after sunset. Popular choices include moonflower, angel’s trumpet, jasmine, gardenia and other evening-blooming plants.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, night gardens also serve an ecological purpose. While many traditional gardens are designed to attract daytime pollinators such as bees and butterflies, night gardens provide food and habitat for species that are active after dark.
Moths, beetles, bats and other nocturnal pollinators play important roles in plant reproduction, yet they often receive less attention than their daytime counterparts. Gardeners can help support these species by incorporating plants that bloom or release fragrance during the evening hours.
The June 9 workshop will explore how homeowners can create successful night gardens by selecting appropriate plants, incorporating key design features and providing resources that benefit nighttime pollinators.
For many gardeners, the result is more than just a beautiful landscape. A thoughtfully designed night garden can transform an ordinary backyard into a peaceful retreat filled with fragrance, movement and the sounds of nature after sunset.
The program is free, but advance registration is required. Attendance is limited to 100 participants. Participants may register online through the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Events and Programs website.
For more information, call 352-955-2402 or visit the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County website at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/alachua/.
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