Structures + Safety
Garden Lighting
Lighting your garden makes it more attractive to use in summer evenings and gives it a more interesting outlook at night and in the winter - lit-up snow scenes are particularly appealing. Additional security is an added benefit - especially if you fit an automatic timer. Many low voltage lighting kits are readily available, and you can carry out the installation yourself.
Planning your system
How many lights you use depends on the effect you're trying to achieve. Don't overdo the number of lights, as a general guide about 10 per 1000 sq ft (90 sq m) will look good. Try to keep it subtle - creating atmosphere by the use of low light levels is more satisfactory than a starkly lit scene, and experiment with different strengths of bulbs until you achieve a pleasing effect. Leave areas of darkness for contrast.
When you've decided how many lights you need and where you want to place them, you can decide if a lighting kit is available or whether you need to make one up yourself. Kits come with instructions and are very simple to fit. Alternatively, you can buy the components of a low wattage system and assemble them yourself.
What to light
Use spotlights on attractive specimen plants, garden features, sculptures or fountains. Light evergreen plants which will look good in autumn and winter. Light steps and hazardous areas for safety at night. On a path or drive, alternate lights from side to side to avoid an 'airport runway' look.
Tip: When lighting a patio, place bright lights carefully as they will attract flying insects.
Assembling your system
A low voltage system consists of an outdoor quality transformer that plugs into a wall socket - an indoor socket or a weather-protected outdoor socket are both suitable. This converts mains power to 12 or 24 volts for safe garden use.
How many lights you use depends on the effect you're trying to achieve. Don't overdo the number of lights, as a general guide about 10 per 1000 sq ft (90 sq m) will look good. Try to keep it subtle - creating atmosphere by the use of low light levels is more satisfactory than a starkly lit scene, and experiment with different strengths of bulbs until you achieve a pleasing effect. Leave areas of darkness for contrast.
When you've decided how many lights you need and where you want to place them, you can decide if a lighting kit is available or whether you need to make one up yourself. Kits come with instructions and are very simple to fit. Alternatively, you can buy the components of a low wattage system and assemble them yourself.
What to light
Use spotlights on attractive specimen plants, garden features, sculptures or fountains. Light evergreen plants which will look good in autumn and winter. Light steps and hazardous areas for safety at night. On a path or drive, alternate lights from side to side to avoid an 'airport runway' look.
Tip: When lighting a patio, place bright lights carefully as they will attract flying insects.
Assembling your system
A low voltage system consists of an outdoor quality transformer that plugs into a wall socket - an indoor socket or a weather-protected outdoor socket are both suitable. This converts mains power to 12 or 24 volts for safe garden use.
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