Lighting adds drama to a landscape. Illuminating a favorite tree or shrub from below gives a whole new perspective to the garden at night. Small uplights also draw attention to a statuary or a fountain, as if your garden were the courtyard of a famous museum.
Low-voltage lighting
Low-voltage lighting systems are available at many lighting and home stores. Use 25- to 75-watt bulbs to mark paths, steps, driveways, patio edges and garden beds. A standard 12-volt system is powered through a transformer plugged into the household current; it's economical, safe and easy to install. Simply sink the spike ends of the fixtures into the soil behind plants.
Go solar
If lighting part of your garden would require the costly installation of special wiring, look for solar-powered kits at home supply stores. Their light output is modest, but they're ideal for remote areas of the yard.
Designing a new garden?
Consider full-voltage lighting. The cables can be buried at a safe depth during construction, and you can use outlets for other purposes, such as powering tools or stereo equipment. Make a plan first, then let an electrician handle installation. Take photographs as the work progresses so you'll be able to find the cables if you need to make repairs.
Don't overdo it
While light is needed for safety and beauty, it's nice to leave some areas in shadow for contrast and an air of mystery.
Select inconspicuous fixtures
You want to see the light, not the lamps. Make sure the fixtures have a durable finish to withstand water, fertilizer, cold and sun.
Match the light to the task
Floods and spots cast strong beams, good for uplighting and silhouetting. Spread lights cast diffuse pools to illuminate walkways or highlight a surface. Motion-activated security lights deter intrusions by people, raccoons and other nocturnal animals.
Beware the bulb color
The blue undertone in white light attracts insects, while yellow light is less attractive to bugs. Bulbs with a red or pink tone make green plants look dull and lifeless; use a warm gold light instead.
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Subtle lighting can add a lot of drama to the landscape.
