Garden lighting has come a long way since the simple torch flare, and quite rightly so.
Today people want to enjoy viewing their garden or patio throughout the entire year, not just during the seasons dictated by balmy weather conditions. Some of the most attractive views of the garden can be seen on an evening in mid January - the shape of a favourite tree silhouetted in the snow, the tell-tale tracks of visiting wild life or falling snow turning the view into an outdoor winter wonderland. I have found this to be true, based on personal experience. Since I installed lighting in my garden my family and I have come to appreciate these special moments and spend many an evening absorbing the changing character of our garden by night.
During the summer months we all appreciate extending the time spent in our gardens - enjoying a meal cooked on the barbecue on deck or patio, surrounded by the fragrance of our favourite plants, relaxed and at ease chatting with family and friends as the weekend draws to an inevitable close. In Canada we have a relatively short summer in which to enjoy our gardens and I know the concept of increasing this precious quality time is as important to you as it is to me.
During the Victorian era the moonlit garden was a popular theme and plants were specially selected for their moon-reflecting qualities. This would bring the garden to life at dusk when the intensity of the brighter coloured red, orange and blue flowers began to fade, and make way for the variegated green and white, and silver-leafed plants as well as lavender and rose, all of which reflect moonlight.
Fortunately today there are many ways, other than trusting on the moon’s co-operation, to make your garden a place to enjoy day or night. I am convinced the more you investigate nightscaping your garden, the more you will realise what a tremendous range of options is available to enhance your summer paradise. Here is a brief explanation of some of the terms you might encounter during your search.
Backlighting
This is the art of elegantly emphasising the structure of plant material, turning flat surfaces into three-dimensional creations.
Downlighting
This form of lighting copies nature in spreading an even beam of light on to recreational areas, as does the sun or moon, or highlight special landscaping and statuary figures.
Uplighting
These fixtures would be used to cast light upward from ground level mountings, or project tree shadows on to walls.
Pathlighting
Included here you will find many neat light fixtures hidden at ground level, capable of reflecting light to guide you safely as you take an evening stroll along the winding garden path.
Underwater Lighting
What nicer way to view your water feature at night than to see the water shimmering in light with emphasis directed towards the fountain and waterfall.
One company who have been involved in designing 12-volt outdoor lighting systems for over forty years is ‘Nightscaping’ and they have their own web site detailing a wide range of different lighting ideas. You can visit them at www.nightscaping.com.
There are many different types of garden lighting available, from elaborate professionally-installed systems to simple but sophisticated lamps involving the minimum of fuss and labour to install. One such company offering this form of lighting is Aristo who base their range of designs on the Danish passion for outdoor living and the traditional use of living flame.
These timeless designs, popular in Scandinavia, combine flare for rustic materials with timeless elegance and are available in three different finishes, natural copper, antique brass and stainless steel. Polished and rustic outdoor spike models can be found at most quality garden centres. You can visit their web site for extensive details at www.aristo.dk .
Take time to discover the beauty and versatility of garden lighting installed in your outside garden rooms and you
