May 17 2010
Outdoor Garden Lights
Using lights to enhance an outdoor garden area is something any homeowner can do. Outdoor garden lights are not just for those who are designing a new home and have a landscape architect at their disposal. Any homeowner can make a few simple lighting decisions and turn their garden into a place that is enjoyed anytime of the day and well into the evening.
An assessment of the current landscape is the first place to start when deciding to add lighting to the outdoor area. Are there areas that need added lighting to help provide security? Are walkways lit well enough at night so that guests can make their way from the doorway to their cars without falling? These are two simple questions that can get the lighting plan started.
Consideration should also be given to areas that are or could be used for entertaining. Perhaps those areas aren’t utilized after dusk simply due to lack of light. If there are water features in the yard such as ponds or a pool, do they need lights to help them stand out and be visible or should they have soft lights that turn them into artistic pieces as the lights dance off them to night.
Once the landscape has been assessed fully the outdoor lighting decisions are based on what type of light is desired. There are motion detector lights and flood lights that can be used for security. These light up the area with bright light and ward off unwanted visitors be they animals or people.
Pathway lighting can take the form of stake lights, embedded lights in walkway stones or recessed lighting that is installed in the ground near the pathway. These lights can be soft and subdued when placed close together or brighter when placed further apart. These are choices that are individually based and will show the homes personality when installed.
Spotlights can be used to display favorite plants or flower beds. These can be placed in front of the plants shining up on them or even above them shining down into the plant. Spotlights or uplights can also be used to showcase fountains or illuminate hedges and dark areas of the house.
Whimsical, fun lighting can be used in the garden area to add a magical touch to the garden. Angels, gnomes and fireflies are just a few of the options that are available in lighting choices. These can be created with embedded lights or can be globe lights. The addition of these types of lights can be the final addition on a spectacular garden.
Outdoor garden lights allow the homeowner to bring their lawn and landscape to life through the use of strategically placed lighting throughout their yard. The homeowner can add as little or as much light as they desire and highlight any aspect of their yard.
-Sharon Chapman
Related posts: