Whether your garden is formal, rustic or somewhere in between, you can use light to highlight key features and create a welcoming atmosphere after dark. From subtle ground-level lights to brighter spotlights, there is a choice of fixtures and styles that will suit all garden designs.
Functionality should be your primary consideration when selecting garden lighting, especially if you have children or elderly visitors who may need to navigate steps and other obstacles after dusk. Pathway illumination using LED fixtures can make it easier to move around the garden and keep guests safe. The colour and temperature of your chosen light will also have a big impact on how the space feels, with warm white creating a cosy feel and cool white promoting a modern and crisp style.
The addition of accent or feature lighting can really bring your outdoor design together and help tie a scheme together. There are many options available, from the more traditional torches and lanterns to a more modern LED candle light that gives off a realistic glow but lasts longer than real candles. These can be dotted throughout your garden or positioned at the base of trees or gazebos to draw the eye and create a softer, more intimate mood.
Illuminating your garden after dark should be done with care to decrease the impact on insects and other wildlife in the area. Lights that are automatically switched on can confuse moths and other winged creatures, interrupting their natural cycle or disrupting daytime birds’ sleep or owls’ hunting. For this reason, it’s best to stick with motion sensor-controlled lights and opt for amber or red-hued bulbs to minimise the effect on animals.