The Twilight Garden: Creating a Garden That Entrances by Day and Comes Alive at Night

Covering basic planting and design principles that make the most of outdoor surroundings, this guide helps gardeners establish a unique nocturnal garden. Including chapters on night-scented and night-blooming plants, gentle mood lighting, water features, enclosures, and the use of color and sound to attract wildlife, this is the perfect starting place for gardeners attracted to the ethereal nature of a moonlit landscape, whether they are working with a backyard terrace or a large plot of land. Case studies of formal gardens and detailed horticultural descriptions of night-friendly plant species and varieties—divided into Star Plants, Supporting Cast, and Backstage Beauties—round out the tools needed to transform a private space into a moonlit paradise.

Given that the sun only shines half the day, shouldn’t there be a guide for what happens, or could happen, in your garden after sunset? There are many reasons to consider a twilight garden. You may live in a warm climate where evenings are more comfortable than midday. You may work long hours, or enjoy eating dinner and entertaining outdoors. Or perhaps you’re attracted to the ethereal nature of a moonlit landscape. Whatever the reason, you need a guide to make the most of your outdoor surroundings.

            The Twilight Garden covers basic planting and design principles needed to establish a unique nocturnal garden. It includes chapters on night-scented and night-blooming plants, gentle mood lighting, water features, enclosures, and the use of color and sound to attract wildlife. Gardening expert Lia Leendertz shows that it is possible to create a nighttime paradise whether you have a small backyard terrace or a large plot of land. She includes case studies of formal gardens and detailed horticultural descriptions of night-friendly plant species and varieties, divided into Star Plants, Supporting Cast, and Backstage Beauties. Following her lead, you’ll be able to transform your own private space into a moonlit paradise.