Christmas lights might be fitting at the moment, but garden lighting can really extend the use of your garden after dark and bring a whole new dimension to the garden experience. Strategically placed garden lighting can dramatically highlight garden areas, features and plants. The aim is not to flood the garden with light but rather to create intrigue and interest through selecting specific features within the garden and highlighting them with subtle beams of light.
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When installing garden lighting consider the principle of less is more. One carefully placed spotlight shining up into the canopy of tree can be quite dramatic but when it is overdone the effect can be busy and uninviting. Ornaments and containers of plants also make striking features to highlight with a spotlight. The way the beam of light strikes an object in the garden can also be varied to change the effect. Illuminate plants and objects by directing light upwards, downwards and sideways before finally selecting the desired position as each direction of illumination gives a different effect.
Lighting can also be varied at will to create a changing nightscape. Be mindful of spotlights projecting an upwards beam as a beam of light projecting into a tree canopy may look fantastic but light falling on a neighbour's windows could be intrusive.
Garden paths and steps can be made inviting and safe at night with low voltage lighting installed along their length. Leave enough space between each lamp to gently cast light across pathways with a subtle luminescence. Careful plant selection in these areas can also highlight pathways with grey or silver coloured foliage plants such as Lamb's ears, Santolina or Liriope 'Blondie' or those with white flowers including Sweet Alyssum and Petunia reflect light beautifully.
Water features can be brought to life at night with subtle lights that capture and reflect the droplets or water curtain. Installing misting nozzles in a water feature or amongst the plantings will create a moving tapestry of sight and sound within the garden. Coloured lenses are available to add to the mystique but a simple white light on water is often the most effective.
Low voltage LED lighting can easily be installed, even solar powered garden lighting is available. DIY kits can be purchased at hardware stores but if you are considering installing mains voltage lighting a licensed electrician will be required.
Extend the time you have in your garden and create some ambiance this season with gardening lighting.
