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Aug 04, 2023

Grow a moon garden to allure night pollinators

Luna moth (DCR), lesser long-nosed bat (Nancy Bailey, Bureau of Land Management), mayapple (Charles Pierce, U.S. Forest Service) by: Katelyn Harlow Posted: Aug 30, 2023 / 12:20 PM EDT Updated: Aug 30,

Luna moth (DCR), lesser long-nosed bat (Nancy Bailey, Bureau of Land Management), mayapple (Charles Pierce, U.S. Forest Service)

by: Katelyn Harlow

Posted: Aug 30, 2023 / 12:20 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 30, 2023 / 12:24 PM EDT

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Have you heard of a moon garden? These gardens — adorned with light-colored native plants — glow in the moonlight, attracting night pollinators and other important species.

After sunset, many species of moths and bats become active as they search for food sources. Moths are drawn to fragrant blossoms, where they feed on the blooms’ nectar, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

At night, species of nocturnal bats feed on insects that may be attracted to flowers or water sources. Since many bat species are classified as endangered in the state, such as the Virginia big-eared bat and the gray bat, these gardens may be a small way to support their populations.

To support these nocturnal species, the Fish and Wildlife Service recommends creating a moon garden by doing the following:

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