A gardener’s guide to outdoor lighting

In the dark about lighting options for your garden? Here are some top tips for choosing outdoor lighting that'll bring magic to your space.

Way beyond a merely functional addition to your backyard, outdoor lighting can create wonder in a garden after sunset. “Lighting is such an important element to consider,” says landscape designer Adam Robinson. “To create an interplay between light and shade creates ambience and a feeling of romance in a garden at night.” Here’s a rundown of how to make your garden glow.

Less is more

There are myriad types of lighting fixtures – deck lights, spotlights, pendants, wall lights, festoon lights and fairy lights, to name a few – and having a mix allows you to create different effects and highlight individual areas. However, it’s important not to overdo it. “In most spaces, lighting should be something that subtly guides your way or lights up a space enough so you can see and do things without having an overbearing light overhead,” says Matt Leacy, creative director of landscape company Landart.

Safety and security are two reasons to have well-chosen lighting in certain areas. Think spotlights for working areas such as the barbecue, motion-activated sensor lights to act as a burglar deterrent or to welcome you home, and lamps for paths and changes of level. “It’s important that you can navigate your garden after dark, but your way-finding lighting needn’t be harsh,” adds Adam. “Think about creating soft pools of light to show the way.”

Types of outdoor lighting

Spotlights point in one direction and are used to illuminate a specific place or feature.

Pendant lights are handy on patios and other outdoor seating areas. They provide stylish hanging central lighting.

Wall lights, including lanterns, sconces and floodlights, are outdoor light fixtures that attach directly to exterior walls. They provide both functional and decorative lighting and are often used to illuminate entryways, patios and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Post lights are freestanding fixtures that are mounted on posts or poles, commonly placed along pathways, driveways or garden borders.

Stake lights are small, compact fixtures that are inserted directly into the ground using a stake. They are often used for accent lighting or to highlight specific features.

String lights, such as fairy lights or festoon lights, consist of a string or cable with multiple bulbs along its length. They are often hung across patios, pergolas or trees to add ambience and charm.

In-ground lights are fixtures that are installed flush with the ground. They are often used to highlight focal points in the landscape.

Creating a mood with lighting

To really make your outdoor spaces shine, consider extending lighting out into your garden. “Highlight beautiful accents or feature plants,” suggests Adam. “Create depth and different perspectives by showing different textures and colours of foliage. For example, you could highlight a small tree, then backlight another plant to create layers.” Lights installed at different levels create interest. “Ground-level lights can create a feeling of drama, while directional lights from higher up can make branches and foliage glow,” says Adam.

Entertaining zones are an opportunity to have some fun. Suspending some festoon lights or an outdoor pendant light above a dining table looks magical. It’s also a form-meets-function solution, as the table needs to be lit well enough that your guests can see what they’re eating. For special occasions, consider raising the style quota with temporary additions such as lanterns. “Think about ones with intricate patterns that can cast beautiful shadows and create movement through the space,” says Adam. “Repetition of the same lantern on steps or pathways, or edging a balcony or decking, is functional but also festive and a strong statement.”

“Repetition of the same lantern on steps or pathways, or edging a balcony or decking, is functional but also festive and a strong statement.”

Choosing the best material

When choosing the right lighting fixture, it is important to take into consideration the weather patterns in your area, level of humidity, and your long-term expectations. Here are the pros and cons of a few material options:

Plastic is one of the cheaper options but it is the least durable. It is easily manipulated by the weather and can be damaged.
Aluminium fixtures are very affordable but will not last long outdoors. Finishes can aid in decreasing corrosion but eventually fixtures will need to be replaced.
Stainless steel looks great and reflects the sun. It must be cleaned to keep it looking shiny and protect it from corrosion.
Brass is a hard metal that holds up well in all environments. It can be more expensive but will last a long time.
Copper is not quite as solid as brass, but it is still highly corrosion resistant.

Solar or hard-wired?

Matt Leacy says both solar and hard-wired fittings have their place. “Solar options are getting better, and if you spend on quality, they can really do a great job in the garden.” However, he prefers hard-wired wherever possible. “If your home has solar power, then running LED uses minimal energy and allows for a more comprehensive, reliable lighting design,” he says.

Light source options

LED lights are energy efficient, have a long life span, and provide instant illumination when switched on.

Halogen lights produce a bright, warm light that closely resembles natural daylight. Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and offer good colour rendering.

Solar-powered lights utilise the sun’s energy to generate electricity. They are eco-friendly and cost effective. Solar lights are suitable for areas with ample sunlight exposure.

Low-voltage lights operate using a transformer to reduce the standard line voltage to a lower voltage. They often use halogen or LED bulbs.

Wildlife

Nocturnal wildlife won’t relish a heavily illuminated backyard, and it’s a development requirement in some areas to consider this when planning a new home. “One of the things we do is ensure that the lighting levels generally are low, so we don’t overdo lighting unnecessarily, and we avoid up-lighting,” says Matt Cantwell. To help wildlife, also consider having your lights set on a timer so they switch off automatically at an appropriate time.

Dos and don’ts

Do…
Pick warm white globes as opposed to a bright, cool white. “The lighting in your garden should create the same visual warmth you might experience from a fire,” says Matt Leacy.

Think safety. Install lighting that’s suitable for outdoors, and use solar-powered tea lights and candles in lanterns rather than real flame versions.

Engage a licensed tradie to fit any hard-wired outdoor lighting.

Don’ts…
Flood every corner with light. “Moody, shadowy corners are just as important as the softly lit areas,” says Adam Robinson.

Position lamps where the light shines directly into your eyes.

Arrange lights in straight lines along paths. It’s better to stagger the lights so the walkway doesn’t look like a landing strip.

Text by Jane Parbury and Loren Desbruslais
Photo by Shutterstock