Not so long ago landscape lighting was only seen in public open areas and private gardens owned by the wealthy. But with the availability of sustainable designs, energy-efficient fixtures, low voltage and solar-powered lighting options, garden lighting has undergone revolutionary changes.
Present-day garden lighting is available in a range of styles – and we can recommend and install lights that suit your landscape, and your budget. As with any other electrical work, landscape lighting is best done by a licensed landscape electrician like those in our team here at Everest Electrical Services. Though low voltage fixtures can be installed by DIYers, it is always better to choose licensed electricians to ensure your lights are installed safely, and for the long haul.
Why garden lighting?
Well-placed garden lighting allows you to use your patio, pergola or grassed areas as extensions of your indoor living space. Night-time outdoor entertaining becomes a reality, especially if you have a well-lit pool or water feature to complement your landscaping.
The safety of your family and guests is also enhanced with garden lighting. Well-lit paths are necessary – not only to prevent accidents and falls, but also to help you all avoid creepy crawlies and night time bugs. A path drawn out by lights also offers a pleasant welcome to visitors to your house.
Almost every premium property on the market these days uses an ‘outdoor under lights’ photograph for its advertising, simply because night time aesthetics increase the appeal of the house. Decorative lighting, positioned to draw attention to special features like rare shrubs or trees, garden ornaments etc, also add to the visual appeal.
So what are some ways to effectively transform a garden into a night time wonderland?
The basics of garden lighting
There are some key elements to keep in mind when designing your garden lighting scheme:
- Less is more: Outdoor illumination is usually more subtle than indoor illumination. For overall lighting, it is better to choose softer indirect lighting to overcome glare and reflection. Direct light, like a down light will not illuminate the surroundings, but instead focus on a specific object.
- Use lights for a purpose: Lighting up a path or steps, lighting around the pool or pond etc. are examples of lighting that is installed for safety or to achieve other specific objectives. For example, lighting a patio for an al fresco dinner and fixing spot lights on the barbecue to see what is cooking both serve definite functions.
- Use accents to highlight: Spotlights are used to draw attention to a specific object like a statue or an area of the garden. Accents can also be used to create a stunning visual impact. Some people also like to install sectional floodlights for increased security.
Placement of lights for maximum impact
Where you choose to install light fixtures is entirely up to you, but our electrical contractors can definitely offer suggestions and helpful advice on placement. Here are a few spots where lighting is usually installed for maximum impact:
- Paths and driveways: Small low-voltage bollard lights are ideal to light up paths and driveways. If your driveway is bordered on either side by trees or shrubs, using up-lighting on these can create a more artistic look.
- Steps: LED or fluorescent ground lights offer sufficient illumination for steps, combining decorative merit and functionality. Cross lighting from neighbouring walls is another technique which produces an even, symmetrical lighting.
- Decks, patios or pergolas: Both up-lighting and down-lighting is used for patios and pergolas, with up-lighting giving the better-lit effect from a distance. However, for illuminating seating and dining areas, down lighting is the best option.
- Lawn and pool: For lawn and pool areas, ground lights provide a warm glow. From old-fashioned halogen globes to the modern LED lights, the options are aplenty. High output LED lights also help to illuminate the water surface.
- Plants, trees and shrub borders: Down lighting and up-lighting may be used to highlight flower beds, trees and other foliage. Colours also become a consideration here, with lighter coloured leaves and flowers reflecting more light. If the emphasis is to be on flowers, you can use down lighting from light fixtures placed on tree branches.
- Special features: Strategically placed spot lights may also be used to highlight special landscape features like fountains, garden sculptures and impressive trees etc. Cross lighting from opposite directions help maintain an even glow while retaining the three dimensional effect.
Control your lighting
Outdoor lighting, if not properly installed by a landscape electrician, can produce blinding glare. Too much illumination can also spoil the mood of the surroundings and can even shine into rooms. Using low wattage bulbs, as well as shields which focus light where you want it can help avoid this problem.
Landscape lighting can be remote controlled, complete with dimmers and timers, to prevent power wastage. Solar powered lamps are another option to be explored in order to reduce energy wastage.
Here at Everest, Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches are our areas of specialty and we are happy to help you plan the layout and manage the installation of your garden lighting.
We look forward to hearing from you – email us or phone on 0410 229 139.