Garden lighting can be used to create a romantic or dramatic effect, when lights are carefully placed in the right locations. Whether you are enjoying it alone or with guests, a well-lit garden can help to create a memorable evening. Why not show off your pride and joy even when it’s dark? Unless you want your garden to be completely floodlit, most gardens look better when lit with subtle or understated lighting. Just a few lights here and there can create shadows and interesting effects, especially if your garden has water features. And of course, it will also help to save on electrical costs. If costs is your main concern, then look into solar powered garden lights. They collect all of their energy with the sun, and then illuminate your pathways and gardens at night. When solar garden lights first came out, they were not all that reliable. They just could not seem to put off enough light. While you do want your garden lighting to be subtle, you do not want it to be dim and worthless. However, many solar garden lights today have much more reliability.

If you aren’t sure where to put your garden lights, consider highlighting the main features of your garden, such as a shrubbery or rockery, or a particularly striking plant or tree. Statues and fountains look good when floodlit; an even more striking effect can be achieved by having your lights on a timer. If you are lighting steps and pathways, it is especially important to position the lights accurately, so that pools of light are created, rather than shadows. A carefully positioned garden light shining on an otherwise unlit front door can help to create a welcoming effect. Patios and paved areas should be lit to create a cozy and intimate effect; however, be careful that lights won’t shine in people’s faces. Safety is vital when it comes to lighting your garden – you don’t want yards of cable or extension leads trailing all over the place. If possible, see if you can use bulkhead lighting. Bulkhead lighting looks as if it is attached to a wall with no exposed wires. Also, overhead or free standing lights should be out of the reach of small children and you should also ensure that your light is shining where it should – and not in your neighbor’s window.

When it comes to garden lighting, there are no firm rules. Some homeowners even use Christmas lights year round – your guests need never know. If you see that as tacky, then come up with your own style. If you are are looking for cheaper lighting, then see if you can get away with using rope lighting. Rope lighting works best when it is not seen so it will all depend upon your unique circumstances. Regardless of what style you choose, it is better than the alternative – no lighting. Let’s face it, having a successful flower, vegetable, or special herb garden is hard work. Why not put a little more extra effort into it and create a beautiful night time landscape.