The Moonlit Story

The Moonlit Story border is a gently curated planting scheme, designed to glow softly in the hush of evening. With its pale, ethereal blooms, silvery foliage and whispering movement, this border creates a space of calm – a place for quiet moments, reflection and sensory connection. It’s perfect for tucking beneath trees or alongside a north- or east-facing wall, where the light is dappled and gentle and the palette of soft tones can truly shimmer.

Every element has been chosen not only for beauty, but for life—supporting pollinators, offering fragrance and bringing a sense of gentle motion that keeps the border alive from day to night.

Ideal Conditions:

• Light: Dappled to part shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich in organic matter
• Shelter: Prefers protection from strong winds and intense heat
• Style: Romantic, softly structured with a slightly wild, woodland-edge or courtyard charm

Before planting, take a little time to prepare your space: clear away any weeds, and enrich the soil with generous helpings of compost or enriched soil. This is a scheme that loves deep, fertile earth and consistent moisture—perfect for nurturing a border that feels as restful as moonlight itself.

The Moonlit Story border is professionally designed by Leonie Cornelis, Award winning Designer and Author and Jo McGarry Co-Owner of Caragh Nurseries, using a graceful back–middle–front layering approach that brings structure and serenity in equal measure. Bold, upright forms at the back provide height and gentle drama, while the middle layer carries the rhythm with soft textures and airy movement. At the front, low-growing plants spill forward, drawing the eye and blurring the edges with a haze of pale-toned blooms and silvery foliage.

This thoughtful composition creates a glowing tapestry of contrast and harmony—subtle enough to soothe, yet rich in detail. As light fades, the planting comes to life in a new way, glowing softly and inviting quiet admiration.

You’ll receive a tailored planting plan based on the size of your chosen bed, carefully divided into three zones—front, middle, and back—to help you place each plant with ease. Guided by the vision and knowledge of these two, you can bring this romantic, moonlit border to life with confidence and joy.

The Moonlit Story border is a thoughtfully balanced planting scheme that asks for just a little care in return for year-round beauty. Designed by Jo and Leonie this border was created to be both enchanting and manageable – offering soft structure and seasonal interest with moderate upkeep.

A light touch throughout the year will keep it thriving: gentle seasonal pruning to maintain shape, a layer of organic mulch in spring to nourish the soil and suppress weeds, and the occasional division of perennials to refresh their vigour. These simple, grounding rituals will help your garden remain healthy, graceful and full of quiet movement from season to season.

You’ll also receive a complete, easy-to-follow care routine with your Garden Story – tailored to your specific planting scheme – so you’ll always know just what to do and when. With a little attention, your moonlit border will continue to bloom and glow, year after year.