Creating a Day-to-Night Garden with David Domoney
19 February 2025
Enjoy YOUR Garden from Dawn to Dusk
The days are gradually growing longer, but the precious daylight remains fleeting, and winter’s chill still lingers in the air. Yet, even in this season of short days and frosty nights, there are countless creative ways to transform your garden into a cosy, inviting retreat from sunrise to sunset, and beyond.
In this blog, discover inspiring design ideas to elevate your garden, blending style and functionality to make every moment outdoors an enjoyable escape, no matter the hour.
The art of garden lighting
Artificial lighting can transform your garden into a magical haven after the sun sets, especially during the darker months of the year. Not only do well-placed lights make it safer to navigate your outdoor space in the evening, but they also enhance its charm and usability. However, garden lighting doesn't have to feel stark or utilitarian, confined to harsh security spotlights. With a touch of creativity, you can seamlessly integrate elegant soft lighting solutions that complement and elevate your garden’s overall design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Solar lights are an excellent eco-friendly and energy-saving choice for your garden. Not only do they harness the power of the sun during the day to illuminate your outdoor space after dusk, but they also help reduce reliance on your mains electricity, making them both practical and cost-effective.
When incorporating solar lights into your garden, it’s important to consider the well-being of nocturnal wildlife, such as bats. Opt for thoughtful placement by positioning lights low and directing them downward to minimise disruption. Warmer hues are ideal, as they create a more natural and soothing ambiance compared to cooler tones. For added convenience and sustainability, consider using timers to ensure the lights turn off automatically at a set time, preserving both energy and the peaceful nighttime environment.
Romantic string lights
Create a truly magical and romantic atmosphere on your patio by weaving string lights throughout the space. There’s something undeniably enchanting about the soft, twinkling glow they cast, transforming an ordinary evening into an unforgettable one. Delicately draping string lights above your patio creates a dappled, gentle lighting effect that evenly illuminates the area without the harshness of overly bright lights. It’s the perfect way to add charm and warmth to your garden, inviting you to linger just a little longer.
For a classic and timeless look, you might opt for traditional bulb string lights, but why stop there? The options are endless. Explore LED lights for energy efficiency, vibrant coloured strands to add playful energy, or intricately designed lights with metal embellishments in unique shapes for a touch of sophistication. Whatever your style or garden design, there’s a string light option to bring your vision to life.
With just a little creativity, string lights can transform your patio into an ambient retreat, setting the stage for cosy dinners, lively gatherings, or quiet nights under the stars. Let your imagination run wild and create a space where memories are made!
Statuesque garden lanterns and pillar lights
Another stunning lighting option to consider, as seen in this garden, is the use of small standing lights strategically placed throughout the space. While string lights provide a soft, ambient glow across the entire garden, these statuesque woven lights flank the firepit, delivering bright, concentrated sparks of light to the main seating area. Not only do they beautifully accentuate the focal point, the charming chimney-style fire, but their portability allows you to easily shift the spotlight to other areas of your garden as needed.
What makes these particular lights truly enchanting is the intricate pattern they cast on the paving, thanks to their rattan weave. As they illuminate, they create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow that dances across the ground, adding depth and texture to the space. This effect pairs wonderfully with Pavestone’s Deckwood porcelain paving in Buff, with its warm, wood-like appearance. The combination of the wooden tones, rattan elements, and the dappled lighting evokes a rustic, beachfront atmosphere, transporting you to a tranquil coastal retreat.
With these thoughtful lighting touches, you can effortlessly craft a space that is not only visually captivating but also inviting and full of character. Perfect for evenings spent relaxing or entertaining under the stars!
Solar stake lights
Transforming your garden beds into stunning focal points is effortlessly achievable with the use of solar stake lights. These simple yet effective lights not only illuminate your plants but also turn them into a captivating display that shines just as beautifully at night as it does during the day. With the flexibility to easily position and reposition stake lights exactly where you want them, you can continually refresh the look of your garden as the seasons change or as inspiration strikes.
For a more permanent and polished lighting solution, consider installing decorative wall lights or spotlights on a nearby wall. These options add a touch of sophistication while casting a gentle glow over your garden beds, highlighting their textures, colors, and shapes in a dramatic and artistic way. Whether you prefer the versatility of solar stakes or the elegance of fixed fixtures, these lighting techniques will ensure your garden remains a showstopper, day or night.
Outdoor heating for extending chilly nights
Illuminating your garden after sunset is just one way to maximise the potential for evening enjoyment. The other essential element? Staying cosy and warm as the night air brings its inevitable chill. When thoughtfully combined, lighting and heating can work together to create a magical and comfortable outdoor retreat you’ll never want to leave.
However, when incorporating outdoor heating solutions, it’s important to be mindful of your garden’s greenery. Position heaters, firepits, or chimineas at a safe distance from plants, as the direct heat can damage delicate plant tissue or even scorch foliage if placed too closely. A little planning ensures your garden remains as lush and vibrant as ever, even while you bask in its warmth.
Whether you’re curling up by the glow of a fire or gathering under string lights with loved ones, your garden can be a sanctuary of comfort and beauty, no matter the time of day.
Fires for garden heating
This garden beautifully illustrates how heating your outdoor space can go beyond mere practicality to become a stunning focal point in its own right. The warm, weathered rust finish of the chimney-style fire perfectly complements the coastal garden theme, adding a sense of rustic charm. Even during the day, when unlit, the copper tones of the fire feature infuse the seating area with a welcoming warmth that enhances the overall aesthetic.
As dusk falls and the fire comes to life, it does more than just ward off the evening chill. It creates a cosy glow, casts flickering shadows, and fills the air with the soothing crackle of burning wood. This gentle sound not only sets a tranquil mood but has also been scientifically proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation, a perfect antidote to a long, busy day. With a fire feature like this, you’re not just heating your garden; you’re cultivating a space that invites comfort, connection, and calm.
Fires for scene setting
Chimney-style fires are just one of many ways to bring the warmth and charm of fire into your outdoor space. Firepits, for instance, are a timeless and increasingly popular choice that effortlessly blends style and functionality. They’re perfect for gathering friends and family, sharing stories, and indulging in the simple joy of roasting marshmallows under the stars.
For those looking to maximise their garden's versatility, why not opt for a table with a built-in firepit? This clever combination not only provides warmth but also serves as a centerpiece for meals, drinks, and conversations. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your garden space while adding a touch of modern sophistication.
With so many options, incorporating fire into your garden not only keeps you cosy but also creates an inviting atmosphere that transforms your evenings into unforgettable experiences.
Alternative Ways to Warm Your Garden
If a traditional garden fire isn’t practical for your space, or simply isn’t your style, there are plenty of alternative heating solutions to explore that are both functional and stylish. Standing plug-in heaters are a fantastic choice, offering warmth while adding a touch of decorative flair to your outdoor setup. From sleek pillar-style heaters to charming lantern designs and even compact tabletop options, there’s a wide variety to suit your garden’s aesthetic. Plus, modern designs are more energy-efficient than ever, making them both convenient and eco-conscious.
For those with limited floor space, hanging patio heaters are a brilliant alternative. Suspended from above, they provide discreet, effective warmth while cleverly doubling as ceiling lights, blending seamlessly into your outdoor décor. Similarly, wall-mounted heaters are another subtle and space-saving option, ensuring your garden stays cosy without crowding your seating area.
With these innovative and versatile heating solutions, you can enjoy the comfort of a warm garden, no matter the size or style of your outdoor space.
Garden furniture for cosy outdoor living
The furniture in this garden has been thoughtfully selected to provide the ultimate versatility for seamless day-to-night enjoyment. From sunrise coffee breaks to late-night conversations under the stars, the variety of seating options ensures there’s a perfect spot for every activity and occasion. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering, enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation, or simply soaking in the beauty of your garden, this furniture adapts effortlessly to meet your needs.
Each piece has been designed with comfort, functionality, and style in mind, inviting you to create memorable moments, no matter the time of day.
The reclined sunbeds in this garden are an absolute dream for soaking up the sun and indulging in some much-needed vitamin D, especially on those blissful summer days. Their relaxed design invites you to kick back, unwind, and fully embrace the tranquility of your outdoor space. Perfectly complementing the coastal theme, these sunbeds bring both style and functionality to the garden.
The deep, rich tones of the dark rattan effortlessly blend into the dark wood of the fence, creating a harmonious backdrop, while simultaneously standing out in striking contrast against the warm, natural tones of Pavestone’s Deckwood porcelain paving in Buff. The result is a seamless, sophisticated look that enhances the garden’s aesthetic while maintaining a laid-back, beach-inspired vibe.
The other furniture pieces in this garden have been also carefully chosen to harmonise with the warm tones of the paving, adding both charm and functionality to the space. Take the light rattan chairs flanking the fireplace, positioned just right to create an inviting nook for evening relaxation. Whether you’re sharing stories with friends or simply enjoying the peaceful crackle of the fire, these chairs provide the perfect perch as the day fades into night.
The light rattan design fits seamlessly into the coastal theme, with its airy tones capturing the essence of a breezy summer’s day. Even as the seasons change, this comfortable corner remains irresistible. Imagine yourself wrapped in a soft blanket, sipping a steaming mug of cocoa, basking in the comforting warmth of the fire as autumn leaves rustle in the background. It’s a space that effortlessly adapts, offering year-round comfort and the perfect blend of style and serenity.
Focus on foliage
The coastal theme comes alive through the thoughtful planting choices in this garden, with lush palms and vibrant foliage perfectly framing the paved areas. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic but also transport you to a tranquil seaside escape.
From the majestic presence of stately tree ferns to the graceful sway of blue fescue’s silvery-green leaves, every plant has been selected to create an atmosphere of breezy elegance. Together, they bring texture, movement, and a pop of refreshing greenery, setting the perfect stage for a space that feels as though it’s always kissed by a coastal breeze. This planting design truly captures the essence of relaxed, sunlit shores, making every moment in the garden feel like a getaway.
Lush green foliage takes center stage in this garden, offering a refreshing vibrancy that beautifully contrasts with the contemporary neutral tones of the design. A standout feature is the magnificent Dicksonia antarctica (soft tree fern), which commands attention with its grandeur. Not only does it provide a promise of gentle shade during the day, but it also acts as a stunning focal point, drawing the eye upwards toward the open sky and adding vertical interest to the space.
As the evening light softens, the fern’s striking silhouette becomes a feature in its own right, casting delicate, lacy shadows that dance across the garden. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful planting can add layers of beauty and intrigue to a space, ensuring it captivates from dawn to dusk.
Continuing the lush greenery around the seating area, the Festuca glauca (blue fescue) gently softens the base of the towering tree fern, offering a cooling contrast to the vibrant yellow-greens that dance throughout the garden. The silvery-blue tones of the fescue bring a refreshing calm, grounding the space while enhancing the overall harmony of the planting scheme.
Amongst this beautiful foliage stands the striking Cycas revoluta (sago palm), with its bold, tropical look. Although it resembles a palm, it’s actually a cycad, adding an exotic touch to the garden. Its upright, light-green fronds reach towards the sun, basking in its warmth. This plant thrives in full sunlight, though it’s also content with dappled shade, making it a versatile addition that brings both texture and drama to the garden. The combination of these plants creates a layered, dynamic landscape that feels both serene and vibrant, inviting you to linger and enjoy the beauty of nature.
A shade for all tastes
With Pavestone’s Porcelain Deckwood paving, you can effortlessly capture the essence of a coastal garden, bringing the relaxed, sun-soaked atmosphere of the shore right to your own garden. Available in four stunning shades, Deckwood offers endless possibilities for creating the perfect ambiance. Whether you’re aiming for a light, breezy vibe or a rich, warm retreat, Deckwood effortlessly sets the mood, transforming your garden into a sanctuary that you can enjoy from sun-up to well into the evening. No matter your choice of shade, Deckwood ensures your outdoor space feels inviting, timeless, and always in tune with nature’s beauty.
We have hundreds of stunning videos, depicting beautifully landscaped gardens, which have used Pavestone landscaping and building materials to realise homeowners 'dream gardens'. Set yourself some time to explore these videos and maybe make some plans for your garden makeover?
David Domoney, TV gardener, horticultural expert and Pavestone brand ambassador blogs monthly on the Pavestone website on all things landscaping related. We look forward to seeing you back again next month.
