Lights are used in the garden not only for practical and security purposes, but also for decorative and visual appeal. Most garden lighting runs on low-voltage systems; many have transformers which must be kept under cover in an outbuilding or your house.

Safety

You may need power in your garden not only for lighting systems, but also to run pumps for water features or to heat sheds and greenhouses. NEVER take shortcuts - electricity in the garden can be dangerous. Get an electrician to install an outdoor power supply, and always use RCD (Residual Current Device) on any electric garden tool or lighting feature.

Floodlights

Halogen floodlights are used to provide a measure of security, and to light the way in and out of your house. They require mains electricity, which is usually house mounted and switched. They will normally have an integral sensor to switch the light on when movement is detected or when the ambient light falls beneath a certain level. A 300 W bulb mounted at 2.4 m on a wall is capable of lighting an area of 30 square metres.

Lighting for Pathways

You may wish to provide lighting for paths, drives, steps or changes in levels. One option is to use solar powered lights - these do not require any wiring, but when daytime light levels are low they will only cast a dim night-time light. Low-voltage lights (up to 20 W) are also a good option; however, they will need a mains socket close by.

A variety of styles are available, such as posts, mushrooms, metal or plastic lights on spikes - most cast their light downwards. Lights can also be built into walls and paving, but you may need to get these installed professionally.

Lighting for Patios

Patios require low key lighting, such as spotlights fitted to the house, or any of the options described previously for lighting paths. However, as these cast light downwards, you may still need to provide more light from above. Downlighters can be attached to pergolas, arches or fences create pools of light for more intimacy.

Lighting for Ponds

The reflections cast in ponds can be used to double light effects and create night time mirrors. For example, light a plant or object on the far side of a pool - place the light carefully, and illuminate just the plant for a special floating effect.

Creating Special Effects

Lighting can be used to create special effects to bring your garden to life at night all year round. Position a light source below a plant or wall to create a dramatic up-lighting effect. This technique is especially useful for features such as statues, trees and plants with interesting shapes; for example, contorted hazel, yuccas, weeping willows, phormiums, birches and tall grasses.

Down-lighting is a good way of providing general illumination or to create a pool of light around plants and objects below. Position them on large tree branches, overhanging verandas and balconies, pergolas, arbours or arches.

Silhouetting is a lighting effect in which plants or objects are lit from behind by a hidden light source, creating interesting shadows and a feeling of depth. It is particularly useful for features such as large statues or single trees.

Decorative Lights

Fibre optic and decorative lights are becoming more popular for outdoor use; most will have transformers that will need to be kept indoors. These lights can be used as features in their own right; a net of lights may be cast over shrubs or tree branches, or fibre optic lights may be positioned so that they provide an interesting display as they sway in the breeze.