A White Garden

You can pack a lot of exuberance into a garden based on just one color, and if that color is white, your garden will shine at night.

gby1804_3e-white-garden2-upclose_s4x3

Want to light up your garden at night? Or maybe just highlight a walkway? Follow landscape designer Michael Glassman as he plants a moon garden: "At night or in a shady area, white comes to life," he says.

Raised planters

gby1804_3c-pavers_s4x3

For some quick dimension and architecture, Michael constructs raised planters out of paving blocks. These planters are a great way to add fresh, workable soil for easy planting, especially under well-rooted, established shade trees. Also, their dark gray color will enhance the white theme and help showcase the plants.

To build his planters, Michael uses a method called dry-stacking. Here, no concrete is required because the pavers stack easily and securely on top of each other. Don't build the walls too high though, because the weight of too much soil and water will press against the blocks. Also, municipal regulations may require a permit if you build much over three feet.

Before planting the bed, loosen the native soil with a shovel. This will help the roots of the new plants to penetrate what was formerly a compacted soil. Once this has been completed, add new topsoil to the planters, preferably one made of topsoil and rich compost to boost growth. Leave a few inches of space from the soil surface to the top of the planting bed to allow for the volume of the new plants and to give water sufficient area to drain through the structure without overflowing.

Water feature

gby1804_3b-fountain_s4x3

Add more eye candy to a monochromatic garden with a fountain. Here, Michael selects a fountain made of cast iron. It has a blue gray patina that will fit nicely with the stone pavers of the raised planters and plants in the white garden.

Plants

gby1804_3a-candytuft-and-artemisia_s4x3

In a white garden, there is a wide selection of flowers and foliage in whites, silvers and similar tones. Opt for white flowering plants, such as candytuft, roses, flowering tobacco and moon flower.

Or check out silver foliage, like artemisia, lamb's ear and lavender, or plants with creamy variegation in their leaves, such as Japanese maples, hostas and hydrangeas.

White Flowers

See All Photos

Shop This Look

gby1804_3e-white-garden3-planter_s4x3

Combine all of these elements together, and you can create a peaceful white garden, where variations in texture, height and foliage provide interest.

Next Up

The Best Self-Watering Planters for Your Home, Deck or Patio

Take the work and worry out of watering flowers, veggies and herbs when you use a planter that gives plant roots the right amount of moisture.

How to Set Up Water and Lighting in a Greenhouse

Water and light are essential to plants, and in a greenhouse, you'll provide both.

Where to Buy Vegetable Plants Online

It's perfectly acceptable to grow many veggies and herbs from transplants instead of seed, and you can even order some online.

How to Plan a Vegetable Garden

HGTV can make vegetable garden planning less intimidating with tips on garden design and suggestions on how to choose vegetables to grow.

Seven of the Most Common Vegetable Gardening Mistakes

If you’ve made a few of these blunders, don’t get frustrated. Gardening takes practice, patience and the ability to learn from your mistakes.

4 Clever Container Garden Combos to Try

You don’t need a big yard to grow your dream garden — just a big planter.

How to Grow and Care for Agapanthus

Learn how to successfully plant, tend and enjoy African lily from garden (or pot) to vase.

Top-Rated Gardening Buys You Need Now, According to Amazon Shoppers

These tried-and-true lawn and garden products are backed by thousands of positive customer reviews.

Tips for Edible Gardening in Small Spaces

Make the most of a small garden space by mixing flowers and vegetables in an ornamental edible garden.

Best Companion Plants for Cucumbers

Discover companion planting techniques to boost your crop of cucumbers and avoid common pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.