Modern garden lighting is about more than just illumination – it’s also about creating a stunning atmosphere. Lighting can be used to highlight a water feature, bring an architectural element like a shed or decking to life at night and draw attention to plants and trees that you’re particularly proud of. However, it is important to balance the number of lights with their location and function. The more discreet and subtle your lighting scheme is, the more drama and intrigue it will create.
There are many different types of garden light, each one suited to a particular area. For example, spike lights can be pushed into the ground to subtly illuminate plants, statues or other features, silhouette surrounding foliage textures and pick out delicate details of form and structure. Alternatively, a set of carefully-placed low level lights can be used to make an entire wall of your garden look dramatic at night.
Another popular type of garden lighting is path lighting, which will help people navigate a garden at night and is highly recommended for gardens with pathways. The majority of path lights will be solar powered, requiring a small panel to absorb the sun’s rays during the day to charge a battery that will then switch on at night.
It’s worth remembering that most outdoor lighting fixtures emit UV rays, which can impact on insects and wildlife in your garden. Taking steps to decrease the number of fixtures and their position in your garden will ensure that your garden can thrive, without damaging the delicate balance of nature.