From Supernatural Fascination to Moon Garden Inspiration
The mystical and unknown have always captivated me. I grew up in the 80s, a golden era for supernatural horror. This environment fueled my obsession with ghosts and the paranormal. I spent hours in our town’s cemetery, reading old tombstones. I imagined the lives and deaths of those who came before us. Movies like “The Shining,” “The Exorcist,” and “Poltergeist” fueled my fascination.
This curiosity about the unknown has influenced my storytelling throughout my life. Now, it shapes my latest novel, Summer in the Moon Garden. In my blog The Inspiration Behind My Latest Novel, I shared how childhood friendships inspired the story. I grew up in a small town with limited entertainment. My friends and I often turned to ghost stories and Ouija boards for excitement.
You might wonder about the shift from ghost stories to moon gardens. The connection lies in exploring mystery and the unknown. Ghost stories let me ponder the mysteries of existence. Similarly, a moon garden offers a space for reflection and transformation.
The Magic of Moon Gardens
Never heard of a moon garden? It’s a magical space designed for nighttime enjoyment. These gardens feature white or pale flowers that seem to glow in the dark. They include plants with silver or gray foliage that shimmer in moonlight. Night-blooming flowers like moonflowers add to the allure. Fragrant plants release their scents in the evening. Reflective elements like water features or mirrors enhance the atmosphere. The effect is serene and ethereal, inviting quiet contemplation and wonder.
In Summer in the Moon Garden, I blend the mystical with the nighttime flora’s beauty. The story explores personal growth and hidden secrets. It reveals the magic of opening ourselves to new experiences. All this unfolds in a luminous garden alive under the moon’s glow.
Why a Moon Garden Setting?
When planning my novel, I wanted a unique and symbolic setting. The moon garden offered the perfect mix of beauty, mystery, and metaphor. Here’s why I chose it.
1. Transformation: Just as my protagonists undergo personal growth, a moon garden transforms from an ordinary space during the day to a luminous wonderland at night.
2. Symbolism of Cycles: The moon’s phases mirror the emotional journey of the characters, representing change and renewal.
3. Sensory Rich Environment: The beauty of a moon garden provided a lush backdrop for sensory descriptions, allowing readers to feel fully immersed in the story.
4. A Retreat for Reflection: Moon gardens are peaceful spaces, perfect for the moments of introspection and intimate conversations that drive the narrative forward.
5. Connection to Nature: In our fast-paced world, I wanted to explore the healing power of connecting with nature, which is a central theme of the book.
Researching moon gardens for this novel was a joy. I spoke with horticulturists and visited night-blooming gardens. I even planted a small moon garden in my yard last summer. These experiences deepened my appreciation for these magical spaces.
Experience the Moon Garden Magic
I’m excited for you to experience of Summer in the Moon Garden. As you read, I hope you’ll feel as though you’re strolling through this enchanted space. Picture the luminous flowers and breathe in the fragrant night air. Feel the magic unfold under the moon’s glow. All these elements weave together in the story. They invite you into a nocturnal world of wonder and revelation.
Have you ever visited or created a moon garden? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Or share what you imagine a perfect moon garden might be like!