On the Magic of Harvest Moon . . .

Moonrise and Maiden Grass in the September Garden

Last night I caught moonrise —growing full and bright in sunset’s afterglow— in the garden as I scrambled to cover heirloom tomatoes and ripening bell peppers before dusk. With clear skies and a threat of frost in the evening air, it seems that autumn is arriving prematurely this year.

The Harvest Moon, more typically associated with autumn, is also early; making a late-summer appearance this year. Full at 7:12 am on September 19th, the moon will appear full as she rises tonight, September 18, at 6:13 pm ET and tomorrow night, September 19, at 6:45 pm. The Harvest Moon is so-named for its historic, agricultural importance; allowing additional light to farmers harvesting crops late into the evening. This much-anticipated celestial event is the closest full moon to the September 22, autumnal equinox (fall begins this year at 20:44 UTC, read more at EarthSky.org, here).

Although not-quite-full, the Harvest Moon was stunning last night as it rose beyond the Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis purpurascens) in my garden. So spread out your blanket and mull some cider, it’s certain to be a glorious show over the next few nights!

Photography & Text â“’ Michaela Medina Harlow/The Gardener’s Eden. All images, articles and content on this site (with noted exceptions), are the original, copyrighted property of The Gardener’s Eden and may not be reposted, reproduced or used in any way without prior written consent. Contact information is in the left side bar. Please do not take my photographs without asking first. Thank you! 

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