Space Age Garden Plants for a Garden Out of This World

A themed garden is like an invitation to let your imagination run wild. Let your creativity take off to new heights by incorporating a space age garden theme. Use a variety of plants having space-related names and appeal. Be sure, however, to check the growing requirements for your region in order to select the most appropriate plants for your garden.

Trees and Shrubs with Space Age Appeal

Trees and shrubs are an important element in many gardens. They add structure, provide interest, and are considered the backbone of the garden during fall and winter. These can be exceptional additions to the space age garden as well. Take, for instance, the Star Magnolia. While this beautiful tree adds strap-like blooms of white or pale pink in early spring, its most prominent feature takes place in winter, with unusual looking gray bark and furry, silver buds. Heavenly bamboo is another interesting space age plant. This unique shrub resembles bamboo with its straight, unbranched stems; however, it's not a true bamboo at all. Flowering during summer, once fall approaches, its white flowers turn into attractive red berries. The blue-green foliage, reminiscent of so-called alien-like creatures, becomes reddish in winter.

Stars of the Space Age Garden

What's space without stars? Numerous flowering plants with 'star' appeal will look right at home in a space age garden. Of these includes 'Star Gazer' lily, with its brilliant crimson blooms edged in white. This lily also has a delightful fragrance and blends in nicely with the pure white, double blooms of 'Ice Star' Shasta daisy. Perhaps the vivid purple-pink and white striped "Star Brite' phlox is more to your liking. Then again, there are others such as Star cactus, Star grass, or Goldenstars. Star cactus certainly looks otherworldly with its dome-shaped, spineless appearance. Star grass (Dichromena) will add unusual interest. This is a truly bizarre member of the sedge family with drooping, white star-shaped flowers and prefers boggy conditions. To give the space age garden some extra-terrestrial coverage, there's nothing more appealing then the ground-hugging foliage of goldenstars, especially during its spring blooming when the foliage is topped with golden yellow flowers.

Suns and Moons

Of course, you cannot overlook the role of suns and moons in the space age garden. Here you'll find an array of possibilities, from ordinary sunflowers to night-blooming moonflowers. There are many types of sunflowers to fit your space age theme. If possible, go for those lesser known or more unusual varieties like Cucumber Leaf sunflower with small cucumber leaf foliage and bronze yellow flowers or the unusual Red Velvet sunflower with velvety red petals. Your space age garden will definitely stand out with these unique plants. 'Blue Moon' phlox will add extraordinary fragrant, blue-violet blooms to the garden. This plant is considered a native wildflower in many places. Wild indigo 'Carolina Moonlight' is another good choice. Yellow spikes top the tightly packed bluish-green foliage. Pulmonaria 'Moonshine' offers shimmering silver leaves edged in green. During its bloom time, of ice blue color, these leaves take on a speckled appearance. The white blooms of moonflowers only appear at night, making a lovely and fitting plant for the space age garden.

Planetary Plants and Other Worldly Additions

Many plants can be found with names taken from planets. For example, you could include the reblooming 'Mother Earth' iris or striking semi-double blooms of false sunflower 'Venus.' Speaking of Venus, why not consider the curious Venus flytrap. This carnivorous plant will certainly take on a life of its own in bog-like conditions of the space age garden. Don't overlook foliage. Although its fragrant white blooms open at night, the glossy green foliage of hosta 'Venus' are quite spectacular. Jupiter's beard is another exceptional choice. This plant offers vibrant red clusters of fragrant blooms. Cosmos will provide stunning colors and major impact throughout the space age garden. Dame's rocket will take the garden to new heights with its tall, heavenly scented, bright magenta blooms. Take heed, however, as this plant readily self-seeds and can quickly become a nuisance. You could also choose alien species or weird plant varieties in the space age garden.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

As with any garden, accessories provide further interest. For additional appeal in the space age garden, try placing accessories related to this theme. For instance, string up some star-shaped lights in the garden or create subtle lighting with tin coffee or soup cans. Punch out designs that include anything from stars and moons to rockets and aliens. Paint the cans and add some votive candles. Place them throughout the garden or line pathways with them. Add some ornamental features as well that include a myriad of stars, planets, and more. Instead of a scarecrow, why not construct an astronaut or alien to sit or hang out in the garden. Let your imagination soar and boost up those creative juices to create a garden that truly out of this world!