Light Up Your Landscape
31st Aug 2023
For hundreds of years, people have been landscaping their gardens. Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown is probably the most famous landscape gardener of all time, and examples of his work still exist today. In the 1700s, electricity was unheard of – let alone energy efficient LED light bulbs; imagine the possibilities for a genius like Capability Brown if he’d had access to this sort of technology!
In more recent times, people have realised the benefit of using outside lighting. This has added a whole new dimension to garden landscape design. Just a few years ago, the cost of lighting your garden would have been prohibitive. Today, with exterior light fittings being more readily available and the development of LED technology, even the most humble gardener can afford to incorporate landscape lighting in their garden.
Using LED lighting in your garden has two benefits. First is safety and security. If you enjoy your garden in the evening as well as during the day, lighting will make sure you can walk its paths, slopes and steps without accident. Lighting also acts as a deterrent to would-be intruders who prefer to operate under cover of darkness. But most people choose outdoor LED lighting for its aesthetic appeal.
Landscape lighting should be subtle for best effect. Overdo it, and you’ll lose the atmosphere and do little more than contribute to your neighbourhood light pollution. LED light bulbs give you the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to landscape lighting. Your design ideas are only limited by your imagination.
While few of us can hope to emulate the effects created by professional landscape gardeners working with huge budgets, effective landscape lighting is affordable for us lesser mortals. Consider post or bollard lighting along the edge of paths. They will lead the eye down the garden and allow you to enjoy an evening stroll in safety.
Subtle spots angled under feature trees will look impressive throughout the seasons. Snow-laden branches look more festive and classy than all the illuminated Santas put together!
For a really contemporary look, create a garden of light by arranging different height post lights in geometric shapes. Hang Oriental-style lanterns fitted with LED light bulbs from branches of trees for a funky fun look. And of course, don’t forget the old favourite: fairy lights. Now with LED fairy lights available, you can create a lasting magical effect without the annoyance of blown bulbs spoiling the display.
With LED lighting, you can create a dramatic outdoor space which can be enjoyed day and night – whatever the time of year. If you’re fortunate enough to have a swimming pool or tennis court, LED lighting is a must. You can not only bathe in atmospheric enjoyment, but lighting your pool will also prevent anyone accidentally taking a dip in the darkness. Floodlighting will allow you to enjoy a game of tennis long past dusk. When it comes to landscape lighting – it really is a case of ‘game, set and match’ to LED light bulbs.