Add A Little Light Bring Your Garden To Life

By: Stuart Richardson - Arthur English Ltd

Simple changes to the way you light your garden can make a huge difference. And choosing exterior and garden lighting doesn’t have to be complex. You can make the most of your best plants, features and architecture by being selective about the lights you use. With a little imagination it’s possible to turn your garden into a stylish and theatrical extension of your home.

Start off by thinking about garden lighting in and around the areas where there’s most activity. Think about which seating or dining area will be enhanced by illumination. Then note down any other features that will benefit from the addition of garden lighting. Is there a particular plant you’re proud of, garden sculpture, water feature or tree? Lighting garden paths can have a dramatic impact too. Finally, think about possible future changes you’ll make to the garden too. If you move plants or furniture will the lighting scheme still work?

Once you’ve decided on the areas that will benefit from garden lighting you need to decide which fittings will suit those locations. Outdoor garden lights are typically installed at three different height levels: ground, mid height or high on a wall, post or tree. Varying the heights of your garden lighting will vary the lighting effect when viewed from different areas within the house and garden. A Remote Control Lighting System can also be installed to make it easier to control your garden lights.

For safety use modern low-voltage systems, and always get expert help if you need to install an electricity source in the garden. Kits are available where you simply run a cable around the garden and clip lights where you want them.

If that sounds like too much hard work or if you have some hard to reach areas then there’s always solar powered lighting. They can cost more than other lights and aren’t always as powerful but you will save pennies on your electricity bill. You’ll need to position them where they will be in the sun so that the internal batteries will recharge during the day.

Remember to think about external security lighting too – place near driveways, parking areas or garage doors for extra safety. Motion sensor garden lighting can include features like time delay (dawn to dusk), variable light level and a choice of distance or range.

General maintenance for your garden lighting scheme is easy. It just requires fitting replacement bulbs, wiping over fittings and checking cables for any obvious signs of damage.

Stuart Richardson - Arthur English Lighting Ltd