May 14 2010
Outdoor Garden Lighting
Outdoor garden lighting is an integral part of a home’s landscape and aesthetic beauty. It combines both form and function to create an inviting atmosphere that is both pleasant and offers a sense of security. There are many different uses for outdoor garden lighting that will bring a yard to life and create a visual masterpiece when the sun goes down.
Safety is one of the first things that come to mind when lighting for the outdoor area is considered. There are two aspects to safety lighting. The first is the use of lighting for pathways. Pathway lighting around walks and the driveway allow guests to maneuver safely through the dark and into the house without stumbling and falling. It is also a proven fact that homes with lighting leading to the house and around the house are less susceptible to intruders who fear being seen.
The second aspect of safety lighting is in the form of pole lighting for dark areas of the lawn. Remote corners of the lawn should be well lit with dusk to dawn lights or solar powered lighting so that intruders will have second thoughts before entering the property. Remote areas that are well lit are also less likely to be inhabited by wild animals, as they do not want to be exposed by the light.
Spotlights are another way to use lighting in the outdoor garden to bring it to life and make it a place of beauty. Spots lights can be used to bring features of the garden to life and create a magical retreat for guests. Relaxing in the garden at night with spotlights shining in to the trees or up around a waterfall is a pleasant end to a hard day. Spotlights can be used as either uplighting or down lighting and can highlight many different features in the yard.
Outdoor garden lights are also useful when used to light the pool deck or other water features to not only insure that the water is visible but also allow them to be enjoyed in the early evening hours. An evening swim is pleasant by the light of the moon and when deck lighting is added in soft hues it becomes more pleasant. Deck lighting and pool lighting are both available in different color patterns and styles. Pool lights can be floating lights or installed under the water. An electrical contractor is needed to put these outdoor lighting plans together.
Safety, security and beauty are three main reasons to consider installing outdoor garden lights. Not only will the homes livability extend from inside the home to outside, the resale value of the home will increase due to the added lighting. Plans for creating a beautiful lighted garden can be created by landscape architects or lighting specialists who know how to safely put together outdoor lighting.
-Sharon Chapman
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