Here are some more lighting ideas from the folks at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, this time we’re going to focus on your home’s garden lighting, an area that many homeowners tend to neglect and they’re doing so at the detriment of their property.
Putting in lighting around your garden is a great way to bring plenty of outdoor illumination while placing a much-deserved spotlight, so to speak, on all of your hard work. But don’t expect to just point a few fixtures at your garden and call it a day, this is something that needs a nuanced and perhaps subtle approach.
You want to take your time and really think about how best to show off your garden through proper lighting, otherwise you’re going to waste time and money on the wrong set up and the wrong fixtures.
So, let’s consider how best to design, plan, and install your lighting for the best possible results.
The Design Process
This is where most of the time will be spent on your garden lighting. You should begin to brainstorm everything you wish to include in your illumination plan so that everything is properly accounted for with respect to the elements of your garden that should stand out in the dark.
This starts with walking outside and making notes of everything you feel should be given special notice. Maybe it’s a beautiful old tree, your beloved rhododendrons, perhaps you have a prized set of tulips that you want to show off but also protect from anyone stepping on in the dark.
The Right Fixtures
Now that you know where you want to place your lighting, you must next decide what kind of lights you want in those specific locations. This is a bigger task than you might anticipate, not only are there seemingly countless types of fixtures to choose from but you should choose the fixtures you need based on the kind of lighting you want to provide to those locations around the garden.
You should consult with your landscape lighting specialist to discuss what fixtures work best where, but do keep in mind that no matter what fixtures you select, you want to know that these lights will be able to withstand the weather challenges that your part of the country poses. A home located in an area with high winds and higher than normal precipitation should choose fixtures that are designed and rated to withstand such wear and tear.
The Best Bulbs
Your fixtures are just part of the equation, the bulbs are another, and finding the best bulbs to get the job done is an essential aspect of your garden lighting plan. Every bulb is different in that it can provide various degrees of brightness and longevity. Many homeowners are turning to LED’s now, because they are brighter and run far more efficiently than traditional alternatives.
So, as you’re putting all that thought and consideration into your fixtures, be sure to place as much importance on the bulbs you plan to place inside of them to illuminate all of the major features of your home and garden.