Just
because it is dark outside doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying your
garden. Lighting a garden is often
overlooked - which is a shame because the addition of some well placed lights
can transform any garden, of whatever size, into a magical, enchanting world.
Consider
which areas would benefit from being lit - these could include the obvious such
as dining and seating areas, paths and steps.
However dramatic effects can be created by lighting walls, trees,
‘architectural’ plants, sculpture and water.
There
are many different ways of using light to achieve different effects.
·
Uplighting. Lights placed at ground level which shine up
a wall or into a tree.
·
Downlighting. Places the light source above the feature to
be lit.
·
Path and step
lighting. Usually shines a beam of light
horizontally across the step or path.
·
Washing. Literally washes a surface with a soft glow
and brings out interesting shadows and shapes.
·
Shadowing. Creates very dramatic effects and strong
shadows by placing the light directly in front of the object to be lit.
·
Cross
lighting. Lights an object from two
sides and creates soft highlights.
·
Moonlighting. Replicates the effect of moonlight by placing
a light high in a tree for romantic, soft dappled shadows.
Many
of these techniques can also be used to light water which will glitter, sparkle
and glow.
Part
of the drama of what you choose to light lies in the balance created between
shadow and light. Do not be tempted to
light everything. Keep some mystery in
the shadows and be subtle. Less is
more. Do not over-do it or you run the
risk of your garden looking like Disneyland.
You
can create extraordinary effects using LEDs or fibre optics. These can use colours and almost as many
different theatrical effects as you can imagine. Just don’t get too carried away.
There
are many different types of light fitting to choose from. Buy ones specifically designed for outdoor
use with low voltage lights routed through a transformer and get them fitted by
someone qualified. .
So
don’t just think about it – get started. Wait for a suitable evening. Open your curtains. Take as many torches, lanterns, even candles as
you can find, go outside and experiment.
Then go back inside and look at your garden and see how it can be
transformed into a 24 hour space.
