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

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