The architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said that a physician can bury his mistakes, but an architect, well, he can only advise his clients to plant vines. I guess there is some truth to that, but as a gardener I prefer to look at vines not so much as a way to cover up a mistake, but as a way to enjoy their beauty.

Over the years, I've grown a wide range of annual blooming vines, such as the various types of morning glories, hyacinth bean vine and even the scarlet red cardinal vine. However, I suppose one of my all time favorites has to be this beauty, with its showy white blossoms, the moonflower vine.

I suppose the reason I like it so much is that because its large blooms open at night and with the opening of the flowers comes a wonderful, delicate scent. The moonflower is really a night blooming morning glory. You see by midmorning the flowers begin to fade, but by dusk, they are opening again.

You can plant these from seed. They are large, white and look like raisins dipped in white chocolate. I found it helps them to germinate if you soak the seed overnight in water before planting. By the end of summer, you'll find the vine will be covered with these seed pods. If you'll let them mature and dry completely, you'll find you'll have a lot of seeds for planting next year and even some to share with friends.

If you're looking for a way to beautify your garden during the evening, you might want to give moonflower vine a try.

From the garden, I'm Allen Smith.

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