Adding garden lights to one's garden provides an individual with a vast array of choices and opportunities. The costs can be vastly different from very affordable kits that one installs on their own to lights that require transformers, electricians, and landscapers to install. For an individual who is not sure if they are going to take on this project on their own or hire a professional these tips may help in the decision making process.
Deciding which areas in the garden should be highlighted when it is dark is the first step towards installing garden lights. An easy way to find out where the lights should be located around these areas is to take pictures from the angle that the lights will be installed. This is much easier than trying to move the lights and will allow an individual more flexibility in deciding how many lights to use in specific areas of the garden.
Next, find the areas of your home that do not get adequate light at night. Perhaps it is a dark walkway where there is a single bulb at one end. Perhaps it is on a path leading towards the porch of the home. Many people who have lived in their home for several years do not think about how hard it is to navigate steps or paths in the dark when one is not familiar with the walkway.
In a region where the sun does not shine year round solar lights will work in areas that do not depend on light at night. One would not want to use solar lighting exclusively on a walk or pathway if the lights were not going to work effectively. However, most of the solar pathway lights are more affordable than low voltage lighting and one may want to consider distributing them evenly along a pathway so that there is always light available.
Using a plot map of the property will allow one to mark those areas that low level lights should be installed, up lighting should be placed, and pathway lights should be. It will be easier to decide if conduit is needed for the amount of lights that are used if it is drawn on a plot map first. In addition one will be able to draw a diagram for placement of the conduit when it is ready to be installed.
Low voltage lights have been designed specifically for use on garden pathways and steps. These lights create soft pools which light the way for people walking along a path or coming up the steps of a home. When looking for these lights it is important to test the light and make sure that no light escapes from the encasement upward. In wet climates or areas that may flood one will want to get lights that have been rated for marine use. These lights are water resistant and will remain intact through harsh winters.
Brighter up lights will go in those areas that you identified as focal points. These lights will shine up to enhance and highlight your focal point or create shadows of light around it. When installing these lights they provide the best effect when placed very close to low shrubbery out of sight. This also protects the lights so that a lawnmower or weed eater does not inadvertently damage them.
Down lights are more expensive than traditional porch lights. However they produce the same effective. Down lights do not emit glare on the street or sidewalk when they are on. They focus the light directly downwards with a pool forming below the area they are spotlighting.
When a plan has been drawn and a person has figured out how big the task will be to install garden lights they may choose to call a professional for assistance. For large yards there may be the need to lay electrical conduit and test outlets which should always be done by someone knowledgeable and trained in this area. For the smaller garden one may want to begin the project themselves by purchasing the necessary kits to do a small part of the garden to see if it is something they feel comfortable doing. - 30228
Deciding which areas in the garden should be highlighted when it is dark is the first step towards installing garden lights. An easy way to find out where the lights should be located around these areas is to take pictures from the angle that the lights will be installed. This is much easier than trying to move the lights and will allow an individual more flexibility in deciding how many lights to use in specific areas of the garden.
Next, find the areas of your home that do not get adequate light at night. Perhaps it is a dark walkway where there is a single bulb at one end. Perhaps it is on a path leading towards the porch of the home. Many people who have lived in their home for several years do not think about how hard it is to navigate steps or paths in the dark when one is not familiar with the walkway.
In a region where the sun does not shine year round solar lights will work in areas that do not depend on light at night. One would not want to use solar lighting exclusively on a walk or pathway if the lights were not going to work effectively. However, most of the solar pathway lights are more affordable than low voltage lighting and one may want to consider distributing them evenly along a pathway so that there is always light available.
Using a plot map of the property will allow one to mark those areas that low level lights should be installed, up lighting should be placed, and pathway lights should be. It will be easier to decide if conduit is needed for the amount of lights that are used if it is drawn on a plot map first. In addition one will be able to draw a diagram for placement of the conduit when it is ready to be installed.
Low voltage lights have been designed specifically for use on garden pathways and steps. These lights create soft pools which light the way for people walking along a path or coming up the steps of a home. When looking for these lights it is important to test the light and make sure that no light escapes from the encasement upward. In wet climates or areas that may flood one will want to get lights that have been rated for marine use. These lights are water resistant and will remain intact through harsh winters.
Brighter up lights will go in those areas that you identified as focal points. These lights will shine up to enhance and highlight your focal point or create shadows of light around it. When installing these lights they provide the best effect when placed very close to low shrubbery out of sight. This also protects the lights so that a lawnmower or weed eater does not inadvertently damage them.
Down lights are more expensive than traditional porch lights. However they produce the same effective. Down lights do not emit glare on the street or sidewalk when they are on. They focus the light directly downwards with a pool forming below the area they are spotlighting.
When a plan has been drawn and a person has figured out how big the task will be to install garden lights they may choose to call a professional for assistance. For large yards there may be the need to lay electrical conduit and test outlets which should always be done by someone knowledgeable and trained in this area. For the smaller garden one may want to begin the project themselves by purchasing the necessary kits to do a small part of the garden to see if it is something they feel comfortable doing. - 30228
About the Author:
Before considering which garden lights that are right for you, be sure to check out Abel Brockman's website about garden lights and proper outdoor garden lighting techniques.
