Posts Tagged ‘garden lights’

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.

Garden lighting comes in a wide variety of designs, and there is something for every garden. You can choose from solar lights, fuel powered lights and electric lights, depending on your garden and your needs, and all come with a range of styles.

Fuel powered garden lights use gas or oil to produce a flickering light that can create a nice tranquil atmosphere in the garden. These lights bust be lit by hand and the downside is that the fuel is kept in a container that can be a fire hazard. Many buyers find electric garden lighting convenient, because you can switch them on and off easily. There is such a variety of styles on the market that the choice with electric lights is almost unlimited. The disadvantage is that they need wiring, and this also adds to the costs.

Solar powered garden lights are the environmentally sound choice. No external power source is needed and solar garden lights can save a lot in energy bills. They also last long and are installed very easily, and for an area with a lot of sunshine solar lighting can be the best and most cost effective option. The variety of designs and styles on the market guarantees that you can find something suitable for all garden types and sizes. Many homeowners love deck lighting and it is very easy to create an attractive environment with deck lights. The best type of lights for this purpose are the electric or solar powered lights.

Rope lights are another popular choice for garden lighting. These are string lights that can be used to decorate a deck or to outline a garden path. However, they are usually not very powerful, so they should be used mainly together with other types of lights and mainly to decorate a part of the garden.

Once you have decided on the type of garden light you would like to go with, you should also take time to consider the placement and style of garden lights needed. Here are a few recommendations:

• Try your best to hide the light from sight. It just looks better if the source of the light is hidden. You can try hiding it behind a large plant, bush or at the base of a tree.
• Bulkhead lights are better to use in most situations and much safer. You normally see them attached to a wall or ceiling. Bulkhead lights are great to use for some garden lights.
• No need to add too much light as this can make the garden look artificial.
• Use back lights to make the supernatural effect in the lawn of your garden.
• Keep away from using the same lights in every part of your garden.
• Try to use the different techniques of lighting. Some are brighter while others are wider.
• Use the highest quality of garden lighting that you can while still suiting your budget.
• Try to decorate your deck with great care. It enhances the beautification of your garden.

There is nothing more personally rewarding then having a beautiful and established garden. Adding lights can add to the beauty and the value of all of your hard work.

If you find that your garden just does not feel complete, garden lighting may just be the answer to this dilemma.  Lighting can set the mood as well as add a tranquil calamity to your landscape.  Many choose lighting not only for their appearance, but for their affordability as well.

Able to evoke a sense of tranquility, garden lights have become a must have item for gardens.  Whether you are strolling through the soft lit paths between sweet smelling flowers or laughing at an outdoor summer party, proper lighting can create a perfect atmosphere.

Choosing garden lighting does not have to be a difficult decision.  There are many different types to meet both your and your budget’s needs.  To begin scouting out for the perfect lighting visit your local garden supply.  Often they will have great deals on lighting especially during the warm seasons.  Online stores offer similar discounts as well.  Shopping online or in stores really is just a matter of preference over whether or not you want to handle the product before making a decision.

There are many different styles and types to choose from when considering the addition of lighting.  Quite common, are the electric powered models.  These models require electrical wiring and a constant source of electricity to function properly.  Because of this fact many shy away from them.

There are also solar powered garden lights, great for keeping electricity costs down and helping the environment through the use of clean and efficient energy.  Solar lighting may seem like a perfect idea, but for those who live in heavily shaded areas will not benefit from them. Also, be sure to do your homework ahead of time. Some solar garden lights can be very dim even if they are charged 100% by the sun. That being said, you do not always have to go after the most expensive model, but be careful of the cheap ones as well because not all solar lights are created equal.

Appearance wise, garden lighting does not have to necessarily appear to be a lamp at all.  In fact many are incorporated in stones and figurines around the garden to provide a natural and more subtle look. The lamp look is mostly used along walkways and are only useful for seeing where you are walking. If you want to show of your flowers or maybe even your small well-maintained vegetable or herb garden then you should go with a different style of lighting. One that is more hidden and shines on the flowers themselves.

If you are ready to revamp you garden, with subtle accents and calamity, consider the addition of garden lighting. If you do decide to go with the electrical version, be sure to get prices on instillation. You will not want to tackle the project yourself even though you may be thinking that it looks simple. Let a trained professional set it up so you do not have to worry about any safety concerns.