Lighting-up time

Exterior lighting has undoubtedly extended the time we can spend in our gardens, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors beyond daylight hours. Coupled with the increasing popularity of outdoor kitchens, garden rooms and spa pools, garden lighting has been elevated from the merely desirable to being an essential element in today's gardens, creating year-round spaces for outdoor living. Thoughtful uplighting, downlighting, and feature lights highlight a garden's features and focal points, effectively transforming our patios, pathways, pergolas and planting.

The wide range of products available, especially since the advent of LED and compact lighting, has made the installation of garden lighting both easier and more affordable. However, to take full advantage you have to have something to light! Sounds obvious but having things of interest that can be lit will ensure your scheme delivers maximum effect. A garden that has been designed will typically include some or several of the following elements: water features and garden sculptures; structures such as pergolas, gazebos and garden buildings; hard landscaping details such as steps, walling, raised beds; specimen and architectural planting, ornamental trees and herbaceous borders. It's helpful to discuss lighting early on in the design process so that creative opportunities can be fully explored and designed into your overall garden design plan.

Despite the obvious benefits of garden lighting, it's important to consider cost, upkeep, and the environment. With energy bills showing no immediate signs of falling, it's worth understanding the likely running costs. The evolution of fixtures and fittings, and the introduction of energy-efficient LED lights means day-to-day running is much more cost-effective. If you're on a budget, you can consider a mix and match approach, for example using mains-powered LEDs in high traffic areas like steps, paths and patios, and other activity zones like outdoor kitchens, and use solar-powered fittings among low-level planted areas. Be aware too of the impact garden lighting can have on wildlife. Ideally avoid excessive use of uplighters which can be detrimental to our bird populations. By combining function with design, we can help you create a cohesive lighting plan that complements your garden, creating an inviting ambience after dark without compromising on energy efficiency or budget.