Mar 16 2009
Outdoor Garden Lights
Designing your outdoor garden and landscape would not be complete without considering the outdoor garden lights. Adding lighting to your landscape and gardens transforms the outdoor space at dusk to a romantic or tropical paradise or any other mood you choose. There are many directions to take your garden lighting plan including those described here.
If you are looking for more of a traditional landscape and don’t want to overwhelm your lawn with lighting fixtures and statues with lights, you can stay with typical outdoor garden lights that are functional and yet not overpowering.
Garden Lantern Photo by Ilker
Add an outdoor wall light at your doorways for porch access and perhaps a vintage pole light near the driveway to lead visitors into your yard. This minimalistic approach will provide ample light for guests without overpowering your yard with lights.
Another way to bring the vintage look is with wall sconces that are powered by natural gas and have a flame for light. These bring to mind the days of old. A ceiling fan with a cast iron light fixture for a porch area or gazebo is also a minimalistic yet beautiful way to add light to the garden area.
Using the traditional feel doesn’t mean that on special occasions you have to forego garden lighting, you can bring in temporary lighting using paper lanterns or disposable tiki torches that you remove once the festivities are over.
If you are interested in adding garden lighting that brings your garden to life in the evening hours you can choose to have your lighting plan designed to be soft and romantic. This type of plan includes using softer, lower wattage bulbs in your fixtures. Recessed lighting with a soft glow into the trees or a small outdoor garden light that is waterproof floating across the pond creates a romantic atmosphere and adds light at the same time.
Outdoor garden lights can be designed around a central theme, such as gnomes, fairies or angels. Outdoor garden lights can be found in many shapes and designs. There are fairies and angels available that have gazing balls which light up at dusk and gnomes with soft hues that shine in the evening.
To bring a tropical look to your yard you can use white Christmas lights that are made for the outdoor garden. Draping these in hedges and shrubs and in the upper leaves of palms adds an air of the tropic to your garden.
Pathways and driveways can be illuminated using outdoor garden track lighting or small street lamp type lights. When designed to follow the path and drive these lights make a beautiful addition to your landscape. Recessed lights are particularly engaging to the eye due to not seeing the fixture they are coming from.
Designing your outdoor garden lighting plan is a fun way to express your personality. Your landscape and garden are an extension of your home and should be designed with the same thought and care.
-Sharon Chapman
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