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Each lighting system can be broken down into three major parts: a transformer (to convert your household current to a moderate 12 volts), one or more runs of cable (to stretch from the transformer to your fixtures) and the lighting fixtures.

The lighting fixtures can introduce new materials into your garden apart from the typical wood, stone and concrete. Ideally all gardens should incorporate all the elements of nature within it: wood, fire, water, metal and of course earth. Metal has many unique qualities including the ability to reflect light and change colour.

The lighting fixture should blend with the style of the garden and the house itself. Some fixtures have copper finishes that create an antique look with lots of warmth and wonderful character.

Fixtures made of metal typically are an improvement on the plastic ones. There are a variety of finishes on the fixtures to select from: copper, pewter, nickel plated, bronze and lots more.

Lamp Options

Halogen bulbs burn brighter, whiter and longer than incandescent lights. They are high in energy efficiency and output. Incandescent lights provide a warm coloured illumination with good colour rendition. They are not as expensive as halogen lights but have a shorter lifespan.

Solar lights are extremely easy to install; just set them in the ground and let nature run its course.

They store sunlight during the day and emit a wonderful ambient glow at night. I hesitate to use solar lights as your sole source of lighting because they emit a small amount of light over a short period of time. They tend to have a tiny area of solar cells and a minimal amount of battery capacity.

With improved technology of solar cells and batteries, I expect that this will not be an issue in the future. Solar-powered lights work best if they have eight hours of direct sunlight.

Tricks of the Trade

I would avoid installing lighting fixtures directly on a lawn where they will be hit by trimmers and lawn mowers. Instead, place them in mulch beds or on vertical perches like a four-by-four-inch post on a cedar fence.

The lighting fixtures will be visible during the day so spend the time and money to select quality lighting. Less is more when it comes to lighting; a 20-watt fixture is the most you will ever need along a garden pathway. Be careful not to overuse lighting in the garden. A few well placed lights will achieve professional looking results.

Whether you install the lighting yourself or hire a professional, I would consider the placement of the lights during the preliminary planning stages.

The best gardens incorporate a lighting scheme that can be enjoyed throughout the daylight and twilight hours.

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca.