I have had 2 new clients in the last week approach me about lighting in their gardens. One request was for a lighting plan 2 years after the installation was completed. Unfortunately, this is far too typical a scenario. Lighting is usually an after thought in the design plan, but can make such a difference in extending the beauty and use of a space. Lighting is a very effective way to create a mood or atmosphere within your garden. Lighting is also a fantastic way to create views into and from the garden that are completely different from your daytime aspect.
There are three basic purposes for landscape lighting:
- Providing Safety- Paths and steps, pool lighting, entryways
- Security-Serves as a deterrent for potential intrusion
- Aesthetics-Creates views from the interior, allows for evening enjoyment of the space
The best time to install or update any existing lighting is during the construction while the site is already under disruption. This is especially important if you are installing high voltage lighting (120v) that is controlled from the inside in which lines need to be buried.
How to Choose:
- The moon and the stars should be your first choice of illumination, but your lighting may be limited on a cloudy evening!
- The second choice of illumination should be your house. The glow that emerges from inside and outside your home should be a prime source of lighting.
Factors to consider:
- Views from both inside and outside the house
- Architectural scale and style of your property
- Architectural scale and style of your home
- Areas to be lit
- Formal vs Informal
- Daytime appearance of fixtures
The most important consideration after these practical aspects are addressed is how you will use the space which will be discussed in Part II of the series.
