Embracing the Night: Exploring Sonoma County’s Night Sky and Gardens

Outdoor fire pit and living room provides a cozy warm space to enjoy the stars. Photo by Laura Bassett

Imagine walking out into your garden as it’s getting dark, the air cooling, and the first stars appearing. The night transforms your familiar outdoor space into something new. Lets explore together the unique sights, sounds, and smells that await you. If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor lighting your garden will glow with a warm cozy light. Bring a big blanket out to your favorite outdoor furniture, wrap yourself up and turn off the lights.

At first, you’re hyper aware of every noise, every rustle of the leaf as your eyes adjust. Then you start to notice the night time smells of the garden, maybe the scent of sweet grass or night blooming jasmine. Shapes start to take form and your eyes are drawn to the sky, the stars seem to grow brighter as you sit there.

Some of my most memorable moments outdoors have been at night. As I write this, the crickets are quietly singing away. The audio recording was done from my backyard at night.

Whether it was walking home late at night on Guemes Island or going for a walk. I’ve had some humorous moments with my local possum when we both scared each other in my garden one night. One of my all time favorite designs was for a Biodynamic winery and tied in deeply to the cycles of the moon, night-blooming flowers and a mystical garden of celestial inspiration.

If you want to get out of town and gaze at the stars we have you covered. We’ll go over great places in Sonoma County to star gaze. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a nocturnal adventure let’s venture into the dark together.

Stargazing in Sonoma County: A Celestial Experience

Port Sonoma at Sunset. Photo by Laura Bassett

Sonoma County offers some of the most breathtaking views of the night sky, and there’s no better time to experience this than during the Perseid meteor shower. According to a recent article from The Press Democrat, California State Parks are inviting residents to witness this celestial event at some of the region’s most scenic locations.

Here’s how you can make the most of this experience:

Prime Viewing Locations: The article suggests heading to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and Sonoma Coast State Park. These spots offer dark, unobstructed views of the sky, perfect for catching the Perseids in all their glory.
Timing is Key: The Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August, with the best viewing times being in the early morning hours, just before dawn. Plan your visit accordingly to maximize your chances of seeing this spectacular natural show.
What to Bring: To fully enjoy the meteor shower, bring a comfortable chair or blanket, warm clothing, and a thermos of hot drinks. Consider using a red flashlight to preserve your night vision while you stargaze.

New Year's Eve on Guemes Island Tide Flats. Photo by Laura Bassett

Experiencing the Perseid meteor shower in Sonoma County is more than just a stargazing event; it’s an opportunity to connect with the cosmos and reflect on the vastness of the universe from the comfort of your own backyard or local park.

I have two favorite spots to stargaze and they’re both up on my island in Washington State. The first is the park, there’s a lovely little park at the heart of the island. I’ve spent countless hours with friends chatting late into the night watching the sky. Laying in the back of a pickup with blankets and pillows just counting the shooting stars.

The most magical place however is out on the tide flats, every seven years or so a super low tide coincides with New Years Eve. Friends will kayak and boat wood out to a high spot on the flats and build up a bonfire. The rest of us trek out across the wet sand hundreds of feet from shore to ring in the new year. There’s nothing more magical that being surrounded by the water as it starts to come in, stars reflecting all around you and the laughter and warmth of the fire.

The Night Garden: Creating an Evening Oasis

Garden at twilight with fairy lights and cafe lights. Photo by Laura Bassett

So if you’re looking to get just a taste of that adventure let’s dive into your own garden at night. First off, adding some low lighting to make paths safe to walk after the sun goes down is a must. Then if you want to add some more magic, fairy lights, cafe lights or professional low voltage lighting can really transform your garden.

In this great article by the Pacific Horticulture Society they talk about the beauty and tranquility of gardens designed specifically for the nighttime. Here are the three areas they recommend focusing on if you want to design for the night.

Fragrant Blooms: Night-blooming flowers, such as jasmine, evening primrose, and moonflower, release their scents after dusk, filling your garden with delightful fragrances. These plants not only add beauty but also attract nocturnal pollinators like moths, adding life to your garden after dark.
Soft Lighting: Incorporate soft, ambient lighting to highlight pathways, water features, and focal points without overpowering the natural darkness. Solar-powered lights, lanterns, and candles can create a magical atmosphere that invites you to linger outdoors longer.
Soundscapes: The gentle rustling of leaves, the trickling of a fountain, and the occasional chirp of crickets can create a soothing soundscape in your night garden. Consider adding a small water feature or wind chimes to enhance the auditory experience of your garden at night.

By focusing on these elements, you can transform your garden into a serene oasis that comes alive under the stars, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The Hidden Heroes of the Night: Nocturnal Pollinators in California's Native Gardens

Milkweed (*Asclepias*) at night. Photo by Laura Bassett

One of my funniest stories of the garden happened at night. I had my yoga mat out in the garden, laying down watching the stars. Suddenly I heard something lapping up water behind me. I quickly sat up and saw in the light from my kitchen door a very surprised Opossum. I froze as it was between me and the warm safety of my house. It froze because it thought it was alone in the garden. We both sat there, terrified of each other, not moving. Finally it slowly turned and then bolted into the dark. I too quickly picked up my yoga mat and bolted for the light. Possums are one of my favorite nighttime visitors, they feast on fleas and ticks and other little insects helping keep my garden safe.

Oftentimes we design our gardens for pollinators, wildlife and creating safe havens for pets. But rarely do we consider the nocturnal pollinators and wildlife. This fascinating article on nighttime pollinators shines a light on the integral part they play in our ecosystems.

When the sun sets and the daytime pollinators retire, a whole new cast of characters emerges to play their part in maintaining the health of our gardens. Nocturnal pollinators, such as moths, bats, and certain beetles, are vital to the ecosystems of California's native landscapes. These creatures ensure that many native plants continue to thrive, making them indispensable for gardeners looking to create a truly sustainable environment.

To dive deeper into the fascinating world of nighttime pollinators and their role in California’s native landscape, check out this article from Pacific Horticulture.

Onondaga Sunflower with Big Dipper in the sky. Photo by Laura Bassett

Fun Facts About Nocturnal Pollinators:

Moths are the Night Shift's Butterflies: Moths are crucial pollinators of many night-blooming plants like Evening Primrose and Moonflower. These plants have evolved to emit strong scents and display pale colors that attract moths in the dark(Pacific Horticulture, Garden Gentle).
Bats as Pollinators and Pest Control: Certain species of bats, such as those that pollinate the Dragon Fruit, are also exceptional at controlling insect populations. A single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night, making them valuable allies in any garden(
Garden Gentle).
Light Pollution Disrupts Natural Rhythms: Excessive artificial lighting can disorient nocturnal pollinators and disrupt their natural behaviors. Reducing light pollution by using shielded, low-intensity lights can help create a more welcoming environment for these nighttime visitors(Garden Gentle,CNPS).

Good Night Garden

Sonoma County’s night sky and gardens offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Whether you’re gazing up at the Perseid meteor shower or enjoying the scents and sounds of a well-designed night garden, the evening hours provide a unique perspective on the beauty of the outdoors. By integrating elements of stargazing into your garden design and adding rare night-blooming flowers, you can create a space that celebrates the tranquility and wonder of the night.

Exploring Sonoma County’s Night Sky and Nocturnal Gardens