Garden Lighting
by Lew Whitney |
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Most of the landscape projects we at Rogers Gardens Colorscape design and
install include low voltage lighting systems. Landscape lighting has
evolved a long way since people first tried "Malibu" lights with multi -
colored lenses. The systems we install today feature brass, bronze and
copper materials for durability, a myriad of fixture designs many of which
add interest to the garden even when not illuminated and specialized bulbs
for long life and specific applications.
Low voltage lighting starts with a "transformer" that converts high voltage
household current to "low" 12 volt current which is delivered to light
fixtures in the garden via direct burial cable. Consequently, the
electrical current in the garden is so safe that neither you nor your dog
can be electrocuted even if you chew on the cable when the lights are on.
Most of the systems we install include timers which enable you to choose
the times the lights come on and off automatically. Recently, however, we
have been installing more and more dual purpose systems in which part of
the system is timed and part is switched.
For instance, your yard may include a barbeque and outdoor eating area
for which you want specific lighting only when you use it. We have
wonderful new low voltage lights that are individually switched and
designed to be mounted on the barbeque counter top. We can install
overhead switched low voltage lights to illuminate the eating area. We
even can design systems that can deliver layers of light to garden areas:
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tree lights could come on automatically while path lights are switched on
manually when you want to walk in the garden. One client who entertains
frequently wanted a "wow" effect so we designed a three layer switched
system in which he could add layer upon layer of light as he activated the
switches.
Systems can be split for other reasons. At my own home, for instance, I
want to fly an American Flag off the garage but, being forgetful, the flag
spent too much time not flying or too many nights not stowed. Since it is
legal to fly the flag 24 hours if it is illuminated at night, I set up a
one spot light system that shines on the Flag beginning at dusk and ending
at dawn while my garden lights turn off when I do at about 10 PM.
On the other hand, security might be an issue for you and landscape
lighting can keep vulnerable areas of your property illuminated all night
for less cost than high voltage lights.
The most important aspect of landscape lighting is the dimension of beauty
it brings to your home at night. Trees can be lit up from below to show
there structure or the areas beneath trees can be bathed with a moonlit
effect from above. Individual plants, garden ornaments, architectural
features on your house can be highlighted. Steps can be lit for safety,
pathways for navigation. Shadows can be created on walls, or shadowy areas
illuminated.
The light fixtures themselves can add interest. Choice will depend on
individual taste. I personally prefer path lights with glass globes that
cast ambient light in an area. Others prefer path lights that cast pools
of light beneath them to highlight the textures of stone, gravel or plants.
Styles can range from traditional to craftsman to contemporary. Finishes
include verde, brass, bronze, copper, gun metal, rusty and more.
Whatever requirements you have, we can design and install low voltage
lighting systems that will…. well….light up your garden life.
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