Outdoor Garden Lighting

Jennifer — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:03:11 +0000

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

Outdoor Garden Lighting

Jennifer — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:17:54 +0000

Outdoor garden lighting is the perfect way to extend the time you are able to enjoy your garden and all its delights. Some people would argue that adding artificial lighting to the garden area detracts from its natural beauty; however, using just the right amount of light in lower watts and adding a variety of lighting types can enhance the garden’s beauty rather than detract from it. These suggestions will help you decide on what type of outdoor garden lighting to add to your home’s landscape.

Deciding on a voltage for your outdoor garden lighting will first depend on the fixture you decide to use. Some fixtures plainly state the recommended voltage and you should follow those guidelines. Typically, outdoor garden lighting uses 12 Volt; anything higher will distract from the natural beauty of the garden and be more of a floodlight.

Fixtures can either be a decorative piece or an eyesore. While there are some outdoor garden lighting fixtures that are designed to be seen, many are not. Those that are not designed to be a garden piece should be placed out of sight, such as underneath a ground covering or behind shrubbery.

Along the same lines as fixture placement are garden pieces that have light built in. This can include character pieces such as fairies or angels. It can also include gazing balls that have solar cells. These gazing balls emit a small glowing light at night making them quite delightful in the garden. You can choose whimsical pieces to add character and life to your garden or artistic pieces that are more serene and regal.

Front Back, Side to Side

As you design your outdoor garden lighting you will want to consider the placement of the lighting. Placement is very important in the final effect the light will have on the garden. Front lights are particularly useful and beautiful in showcasing a particular flower or garden piece.

Backlighting creates a more dramatic effect and is quite spectacular when used in a planting bed or around trees. Side lighting is used to create shadow effects. These can make the garden atmosphere totally different, be it romantic or mystical. Side lighting should be used carefully so as not to overpower the garden with shadows that are cast onto sculptures or yard pieces and distract from their presence.

Water Lighting

Outdoor garden lighting can also include adding lighting to water features. There are many submersible outdoor garden lighting options available. You can choose from underwater lighting with soft, subtle colors that dance through the water or floating flowers with hidden lights that create drifting reflections across the top of the water.

There is no right or wrong way to design your outdoor garden lighting; the choices are limited only by your imagination. From light placement to fixture choice, using outdoor garden lighting is an extension of your home décor and a simple pleasure to enjoy in the evening.

Garden Lighting » Outdoor Garden Lighting

Outdoor Garden Lighting

Outdoor Garden Lighting