Garden Lighting

Garden lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home. There are many choices available to someone who is considering it. Garden lighting, and any outdoor lighting, can help protect a home as well as keep people from stumbling in the yard. Mainly, people purchase garden and landscape lighting to enhance the appearance of their yard or landscaping.

There are many types of garden and landscape lighting. You can purchase low voltage landscape lighting which is recommended if you are interested in conserving energy. Another option to conserving energy is solar landscape lighting. Solar, or from the sun, is powered from the suns rays. It stores energy during the day while the sun is out and then, at night, when it is dark, they are lit using this saved energy. They give off a faint glow that really can light up a little area or large area. These types of outdoor landscape lighting can be great ways to light your yard cost efficiently.

 

Your outdoor lighting will set your party's mood and create cozy nooks for socializing. Some light will bleed through from indoors, but you may also want to install wall-mounted torcheres and sconces for ambient glow, as well as spotlights to showcase your plants and food. To create the perfect light-scapes for your patio party, see some of our suggestions below:

 

 

 

 Lights

Create a cozy halo on your porch with clusters of string lights (no longer just a holiday trend). Try some in multiple colors or funny shapes, like jalapenos.

 

Place wrought-iron candleholders beside potted plants on a mantel or high shelf.

 

Choose copper lanterns that beautifully reflect the painted finish of walls and slate floors.

 

Line your porch with low-profile or pole-mounted luminaries.

 

Place a short pillar candle in an antique birdcage for an unusual shadow display.

 

Place votive candles around the umbrella of your patio table.

 

Fill hurricane vases with colorful limes and lemons with a taper in the middle.

 

Combine bug repellant action with atmospheric lighting to keep your party pest-free.

 

White flowers in pots or in the yard add a soft glow on all but the darkest nights.

 

Here are some other lighting ideas for you.

  • Look through flea markets and garage sales for antique lanterns or candle holders
  • Either purchase or create your own paper hanging lanterns to  hang from tree branches, the porch, or under the eaves
  • Use rope lights to accentuate special features in your garden, including trees, umbrellas, and fountains
  • Use wire forms and colored rope lights to create light sculptures
  • Check antique stores or online auctions for smudge pots, which were popular in the 1950s.  They are great for windy days or beach homes as they can stand up to pretty heavy winds
  • Use glass hurricane lamps with candles to set a romantic mood and to protect candles from the wind
  • Find torches created using interesting materials, such as bamboo, and use them to illuminate walkways
  • Be on the lookout for candles that mimic outdoor elements, such as stones, animals, or flowers
  • Provide light while at the same time discourage insects with citronella torches, lanterns, and candles placed around your entertaining area
  • Use a votive tree or candelier suspended from a tree or metal hook to create a beautiful look
  • Take that old chandelier out of your garage and hang in on your porch for an unexpected elegant touch

     

    If you are considering doing work on your landscaping, consider landscape lighting design. Designing a beautifully light yard can be tough work, but there are professionals that can help you. For example, something that can be done is light a walkway to the front steps to your home or line the driveway with lights from the street to your garage. Maybe you would prefer to focus your lights on a single bush or tree that is special in some way or to shine on a flag.

    Try these techniques in your garden


    Uplighting
    The most common technique used in outdoor lighting. It creates dramatic effects by giving trees and shrubs depth and contour    .
    Downlighting
    Achieved by placing fittings high and lighting the ground, usually through a tree and used for recreation, security and safety lighting.

    Pathlighting
    Incorporates the use of shielding on low level fittings casting symmetrical light patterns onto the ground to light paths borders and steps.    		  
    Spotlighting
    Used for highlights by directing an intense beam of light onto an object or garden feature.. Best used with a mix of other lights to reduce glare.

    Torches

    When considering landscape lighting, ensure that you think of safety first. Consider speaking with a professional to help you design what you would like your yard to look like. Consider as well using energy efficient landscape lighting such as solar or low voltage. Landscape lighting can add beauty and charm to a home when it is done properly and safely.

    Greenfingers - Stylish Garden Lighting


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