I was grateful that I had arrived early because I could take advantage of the last of the natural daylight. While the family were setting up the illuminations, I wandered around absorbing the eclectic contents of this small and cunning space. Knick-knacks and plants clamber up the wooden steps;

china jars are arranged on the small ornamental metal shelf set against the fence amongst the trailing ivy.

In a corner area the myriad of bejewelled hangings dangle from the confusion of wisteria, and are accentuated by the mirrors behind.

Bird cages are everywhere, either small and propped on posts surrounded by bamboo, hydrangea and richly-coloured acer,

or simply upon the ground looking slightly oriental.

This little collection is suspended gracefully together and is just starting to glow in the fading light.

Small statues gather on the miniature bridge,

and the old gardener’s boot is providing a convenient home for a succulent,

Plants overflow from the old metallic watering can,

nearby to the miniature ones arranged and “sedumed” on a glass-topped table.

Carefully stepping through the paved garden there is so much to see. By the side of a rhododendron sits a rusty old stove,

and the clock defies time with its hands set permanently at twenty three past twelve.

Low walls are built with a collection of artifacts,

and there is just room for a small hexagonal glasshouse.

Having been absorbed by the myriad of cages, chimney pots and curios, I reach the end of the garden and retrace my steps to await the approaching darkness.

Back inside I am able to admire the photographs displayed of the garden decked in its summer dressing, elegant and floriferous. Suzette generously opens over two weekends in July and August and has been doing so for the NGS for over 5 years.

While I wait for the brightening of the lights outside, I gaze at the collection of bird cages hanging inside and wonder what the generic name for such a collector might be.

Just outside the conservatory things are starting to glow, it is hard to distinguish the difference between light and lobelia.

I knew this would be a tricky one to photograph but woh, I am not quite sure if it is a result of the mulled wine or inadequate equipment.

Ah ha, it all become clearer as I switch to iPhone, and the garden takes on a warm and magical look.

More visitors have arrived and the children ooh and aah as they gaze at the glitz and the glow.

Bird cages flutter into light,

making a pretty sequence throughout the garden,

In the dark there is  a different atmosphere and some ornaments remain familiar whilst those previously unseen, appear in the show.

The glasshouse retracts behind the twinkle of green lights,

and looking back it is proof that gardens need not be necessarily just about plants and it is obvious the visitors are just loving this evening display.

I return to the conservatory once more where just outside green lights dance around the naked stems of the wisteria,

and inside it there is a warm glow.

Suzette has shown such generosity. It has been a magical visit, something just a little bit different and entertaining for all ages. I can’t help thinking if we want to encourage the next generation into the garden we might all take a leaf out of Suzette’s book and be a little bit more imaginative in our gardens at night time.

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