Today we’re in Raleigh, North Carolina, visiting with John Matthews.

I am an avid gardener, and while my gardens show very well during the day, I really like the fact that the gardens are showcased the other half of the day—nighttime. Strategically placing landscaping lighting throughout the gardens makes the environment magical. The lighting, combined with the sounds from the 65-foot meandering creek bisecting the backyard, make entertaining at night a special occasion. In fact, the Raleigh Garden Club thought my suggestion of conducting a dusk/nighttime tour of my gardens complete with wine and appetizers was so intriguing that they made it the highlight of their 2024 garden tour schedule, which will bring members to the gardens in late May.

Serenity is not the only aspect of the gardens. The full-size bonfire pit surrounded with Edison bulbs illuminating the space, along with benches made from fallen trees, is the perfect outdoor entertainment setting in the dead of winter. Lastly, what nighttime garden paradise wouldn’t be complete without a lighted golf hole with 85-yard and 45-yard tee boxes, along with two sand traps. A bucket of beers and good friends make for a very unique golf outing!

Lights along the edge of the arbor begin to show up as the daylight dims.

Lighting guides visitors along the path and makes the steps safe to walk at night.

The seating area looks all the more alluring as it glows in the dim of evening.

Lights shining up into trees emphasize their beautiful form.

As the night gets darker, the lights get more beautiful.

Fire and lights make for a wonderful evening gathering.

Golf at night!

If you want to see more of John’s garden (during the day and night), check out his Instagram: @johnmatthewsraleigh

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