Don't let the setting of the sun and the onset of darkness mean the end of the day in your garden. Extend your garden
time and backyard fun with outdoor lighting. At night your landscape can wear a different face and have a totally
different look from its daytime look.
Four reasons for using outdoor lighting are: aesthetics, security, safety and recreation or entertaining. To plan
your outdoor lighting, take your time, map out the area you plan to use and then start paying attention to where
you need illumination. Once you have decided on where, you can work at different ways to obtain your needed illumination
and at the same time create an aesthetically pleasing ambience.
By lighting only certain areas of your garden, you control not only how your garden is perceived but also how it
is used at night. Before buying, investigate the different light fixtures available, how they are best used
in your landscape and what effect they will produce.
Fixture Examples
- Accent Lights - small fixtures placed close to the ground that provide a subtle source of decorative lighting
almost anywhere in the garden
- Floodlights - a broad light beam that covers large areas that can create dramatic silhouettes or be installed on
the ground, aimed skyward and create uplighting for trees and shrubs
- Mushroom Lights - fixtures that are generally at least 1 foot tall and project light downward; often used to
illuminate pathways and steps
- Spotlights - have a narrow, focused beam and are commonly used to illuminate a specific plant or individual
garden feature
- Well Lights - are usually installed flush with the ground and provide uplighting
Lighting Effects
- Accent Lighting - used to accentuate specific landscape features; i.e., spotlighting certain statuary or "washing"
light across a textured surface
- Uplighting - is the most commonly used technique to illuminate trees, walls and sculptures. The beam is projected
upward and the fixture is usually located at ground level, although it can also be installed in a tree canopy
- Downlighting - mimics natural light. The fixture is located overhead with the light shining down from above. "Moonlighting"
can be achieved by placing the fixture high above the ground producing a broad, moonlight effect
- Shadowing - is achieved by placing the fixture in front of an object, such as a tree or shrub, thus casting a shadow
or pattern on the wall, gate or area behind it.
It is a good idea, in order to get an idea how the lighting will affect your landscape, to experiment with a
large flashlight. Place the flashlight in different locations and see how it looks. This will help you define
the kinds of lighting effects you will like and also where light is needed for safety reasons. Safey lighting is
generally used in doorways, driveway entrances, sidewalks and paths and stairs and steps.
Next you need to decide whether you want to use a 120-volt system, utilizing electricity at the same voltage as the
lights in your house, or a low-voltage system. If you chose the low-voltage system, you will need a transformer or
power pack. Once you have determined the fixtures you plan to use, you can use this information to help you decide
on the transformer you will need. They should be able to help you determine the size you will need where you
purchase your transformer. If you choose the 120-volt system, you will need an electrician to help with the wiring.
If you need bright light, a 120-volt system will probably be best. If you choose the low-voltage system, remember,
the longer the length of the wire, the dimmer the light.
