Lighting a landscape can extend the use of outdoor space while
providing safety, atmosphere and space definition. Lighting can also accent
areas of a landscape or create patterns and contrast.
Nighttime use of a landscape requires good visibility. It is not essential
to highly illuminate all areas, but highlight specific areas like steps,
entry areas and walkways to eliminate shadows and dark spots. Walkway lights
can define the curve of a sidewalk or an abrupt corner. Lights around the
perimeter of a landscape can define the area and create transitions from
one area to another.
A landscape can come alive in the evening hours with just a few lights
in appropriate places. Specialty lights can create color accents and glows.
Flowers may take on new hues, pools and fountains have a special glistening,
and moonglow lights create a feeling of a moonlit landscape.
Directional lights can accent a feature, emphasizing it more at night
than it is in the daylight. Rain, fog and snow are much more dramatic in
the night when illuminated.
Dark and light contrasts and shadow patterns are much more interesting
with night lighting. Lamp grids or shields can be used to make well defined
light patterns not possible in the daylight.
Landscape lighting is most effective when used in limited, subtle ways.
Use lighting sparingly and in specific spots, and a landscape will come
alive in a whole new way.
