Obtaining lighting perfect inside the garden means knowing when to say stop. When lighting flowers, trees, and shrubs, you’ll get a lot better impact should you disguise the light sources. Luckily, there are plenty of places to hide lamps inside the average flowerbed. A string of fairy lights that take their power from a remote solar panel is a fantastic way to bring eco-friendly lighting effects to a shady corner.
That battered security light you hang above the barbecue on a summer evening may aid you in seeing your sausages with million-candlepower clarity but it’s not exactly subtle, is it? Today’s garden lighting does so significantly more than mere illumination. Utilized carefully, it can show you a side of your garden that you by no means knew was there.
Planning before you start your style, take some time to view the garden from diverse standpoints and several times in the evening. Identify layers inside the composition of trees, plants, and shrubs and think about how lighting will impact those layers. For instance, plants with strong architectural forms look successful when backlit by a lamp that also illuminates the foliage behind them. Rather than lighting a tree with a conventional spotlight, try placing downlighters among the branches for an additional dramatic effect.
The increased use of difficult landscaping in gardens has opened a fresh arena for creative lighting. Mini-up lighters are particularly powerful when set on a deck or patio. Spotlights are good for illuminating statues or sculptures. Water features are finest lit from above. This is one area where a subtle use of color might not be out of place. Underwater lighting can create dramatic effects but make it positive you use products specifically created for this purpose. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Lighting systems lighting for the garden ought to be low-voltage. Once a secure low-voltage method has been fitted, you need to be able to position the lights yourself. Creating a low-voltage electrical method involves installing a transformer which should be situated under cover, in a waterproof housing.
A qualified electrician is by far the finest individual for this job. Any main cables ought to be armored and sited away from areas where they could be disturbed by digging or similar activity. When deciding on the position of your garden lights, take care that they do not dazzle persons who may be using steps or potentially slippery paths. And that includes your neighbors!
Party lighting sometimes, the simplest lighting techniques are probably the most successful of all. Tea lights in pretty holders can turn a quiet supper on the patio into a magical night. Scented candles add dimension to an evening from the garden but make certain they do not clash with the aroma of the meal you’re cooking! Oil torches or paraffin lamps offer a longer-lasting flame. The traditional hurricane lamp is still one of the most practical designs around and its retro form in no way goes out of style.
