That magical hour, when everything (including me) looks so much better in the garden, no harsh glare, just flattering shadows.
Compare these two pictures of the same spot in my garden,
this one was taken during the harsh light of the day,
And then the magic hour,
wait, do you need another look at it,
So far, I am pretty happy with the way this section of the garden has turned out, however there is always room for improvement.
So far, I have Hakonechloa macro ‘Albo striata’, Hosta ‘White Feather’, Berberis ‘Royal Cloak’, a mini variegated bamboo, name unknown (but planted in a pot, just in case), Regale lily, Sedum sieboldii, self seeded foxglove and an Anchusa, also unknown variety.
What do you think it needs?
I am a floral designer living in a tiny condo in downtown Toronto, Canada's largest city. But on the weekend, I am a gardener/frustrated architect trying to keep up with a 3/4 acre garden in Owen Sound, Ontario, a warm (to Canadians, Zone 5b, and a cold (to Americans, Zone 4b) garden.
Green Theatre 
Edith Hope said,
August 2, 2010 @ 5:37 AM
Dearest D, This is charming! And not just at twilight. You have a wide range in this border of interesting plants which very clearly are well grown and thriving. I do like the way that the Berberis extends itself over and across the perennials, shooting them through in effect with touches of purple. For my part I should not add to this, except in kind, but allow for the plants themselves to increase, either naturally or by division.
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:02 PM
Thank you Edith, that is a lovely compliment.
Laurrie said,
August 2, 2010 @ 8:51 AM
I actually like your garden in both lights… the daytime is bold and sunny yellowy, and the evening photo is moody and deeper colored. I love that hakone grass. All your composition needs is a bold glossy leaf, like Bergenia or European ginger tucked in around the other plants.
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:03 PM
Funnily enough Laurrie, I actually have some European ginger on the other side of the Hakonechloa. It is starting to seed around in my garden, so I should have lots to go around.
Sandra Jonas said,
August 2, 2010 @ 10:16 AM
Beautiful in both, but have to admit twilight is my favorite. There seems to be something magical in the quality of evening light. I would add more lilies. Lots.
Also I hope your little bamboo does not get its roots through the pot into the soil…
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:05 PM
I agree on the lilies Sandra, I like the formosa that you showed on your blog, that would be fabulous. I have my fingers crossed on the bamboo.
Carol Flower Hill Farm said,
August 2, 2010 @ 11:03 AM
Hi Deborah,
It is amazing how the cool colors are almost harsh in the bright sunlight… almost looks like a flash went off. I love the blue greens of twilight and this part of your garden looks lush and lovely … love it as it is and all will fill out in time. ;>)
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:06 PM
Thank you Carol, it is amazing what a difference light makes, that is why I always have candlelight in the house, lol.
Rebecca @ In The Garden said,
August 2, 2010 @ 12:54 PM
Beautiful grouping, it looks good both ways but the twilight does add an extra je ne c’est quoi! The lily is so strilking. 🙂
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:06 PM
You are so bilingual Rebecca, lol. I need a lot more lilies.
Elephant's Eye said,
August 2, 2010 @ 2:23 PM
It needs – to be admired – in the twilight!
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:07 PM
Preferably with a drink in hand!
noel said,
August 2, 2010 @ 2:45 PM
aloha,
yes twilight and morning are my favorite times of the day to take some amazing photos and also to see the garden in a different light…there’s nothing like capturing that special essence of one’s garden at just the right moment and these timeframes really add magic to one’s world….nicely done!
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:07 PM
Thank you Noel, it was amazing to see the difference in the colours.
teza said,
August 2, 2010 @ 6:35 PM
Dearest D:
I like to refer to this time of day as ‘the gloaming’ when a magical hue descends upon the garden, casting it in those magical blue, grey and silver tones. As someone earluer mentioned, the only thing it needs is to be basked within for its sheer beauty. You have created a truly magical pocket for sure!
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:08 PM
Ooooh, the gloaming, what a great name for a book or a blog, lol. You say the sweetest things T, no wonder I made a bed for you.
Susan in the Pink Hat said,
August 2, 2010 @ 10:17 PM
Strange you should post about this. Last night we had the most unusual twilight. We had thunderstorms passing through, and just before sunset, the sun’s rays got mixed in the storm clouds and refracted everywhere, casting everything in a bright yellow light. The clouds turned interesting hues of blue, green, yellow and gold. I was too taken by it to even think of taking a photograph. It’s also the sort of thing you can’t photograph, if you know what I mean. It was so beautiful and eerie.
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:10 PM
It sounds so lovely Susan, sometimes you get so caught up in the moment, you totally forget about a photograph, and sometimes they scouldn’t even do it justice.
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, I hope to see you again soon.
PatioPatch said,
August 3, 2010 @ 1:10 PM
Love the muted tones of your twilight with its restful atmosphere, when plants and gardener can take a deep breath and just say ‘Aah’
Laura
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:10 PM
I love that time of the day Laura, a g & t, really adds to it as well.
thevioletfern66 said,
August 4, 2010 @ 7:57 AM
How interesting to see both times of day. It really “sheds a new light” on the garden. I think twilight is magical, as is early morning. But you also have to appreciate a sunny day. Your garden looks great in both photos! I love your combination of plants. Of course, I am always OVER planting (because I am an addict) and I would have to add another hint of that purple – especially near the beautiful grass or the bamboo – like ligularia, chocolate joe pye, rodgersia … but also have been pining for wild ginger. Oh, you’ve got me going now!
kilbournegrove said,
August 4, 2010 @ 10:13 PM
It is amazing what a difference in colour the light makes. Thanks for the compliments, I am blushing. Just on the other side of the bamboo is ‘Plum Pudding’ heuchera, love purple and gold.
Racquel said,
August 6, 2010 @ 10:24 AM
What a difference the lighting makes huh? 🙂
kilbournegrove said,
August 17, 2010 @ 7:23 PM
Does it ever! Must remember to change my lightbulbs to 40w.