There’s something deeply satisfying about growing and nurturing plants in our gardens – the time spent tending them, weeding and watering is like a labour of love. Watching the fruits of our labour flourish and thrive brings a sense of accomplishment that is enhanced by having a well-lit garden, allowing us to enjoy all the hard work at night as well, especially when the sun goes down.
There are two main principles to garden lighting: ambient and security. Security is best achieved with lights that are activated by motion sensors, which can deter intruders from trespassing by startling them with the brightness of the light. This is especially useful for large areas of the garden where there might not be an obvious human presence, such as the back garden or a patio area.
Ambient lighting can be created by lighting features with purely aesthetic purposes in mind, such as illuminating the structure of beautiful walls and fences or highlighting the forms of trees or other specimen plants. The intricate details of foliage textures or picturesque growth forms are often highlighted beautifully by indirect lighting such as ground spots or spotlights installed at the base of a tree, which illuminates their silhouettes without causing glare.
The use of light in a garden can also make it more welcoming and intimate, such as with a row of carefully-placed lamps along a pathway or a collection of Moroccan-style lanterns in the corner of a courtyard. It is important that any lights used outside are designed to be robust and weather-resistant, so look for an IP protection rating of at least IP44 or higher if you’re considering installing them outdoors.