If the long, hot summer brought one thing it was the chance to sit out late into the evening. That alone is great but it could be so much more with a garden designed for evening as The Twilight Gardener explains.
(Sent review copy. Not paid.)
Author Lia Leendertz talks us through what’s needed for a garden to shine after dark. While many of the design features are similar to those for a daytime display, night is, she says, when senses other than sight come to the fore.
Scent and sound are particularly important and can be engaged with perfumed plants, water features and things, such as grasses, that rustle in the wind.
Meanwhile, while colour is important, it’s a different range with white, purple and blue at their best in low light.
The Twilight Gardener begins with a look at different styles of gardens from balconies to family spaces. There are suggestions on what to consider and advice on everything from using colour to lighting and scent.
A general sense of enclosure is important to create somewhere relaxing, while care must be taken to balance daytime and night-time use – white is best in low light but too much can be overpowering on a sunny day.
The book moves on to ideas for enjoying your garden after dark. These include star-gazing parties, summer barbecues and garden camping. There are projects such as making a moth lure and suggestions for food.
The final part of The Twilight Gardener focuses on plants with detailed profiles of things that will enchance your evening garden.
As Lia puts it: “. . . if you only ever spend time in your garden in the bright light of day you are missing some of its most charming moments”.
The Twilight Gardener by Lia Leendertz is published by Pavilion with an RRP of £26. #Ad You can buy it here for £21. (If you buy via this link, I receive a small commission. The price you pay is not affected.) Alternatively, you may wish to buy from an independent bookseller here. All prices correct at time of publication of this post.
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