Why do You Want to Use Garden Lighting?

Garden lighting is a big subject that I could ramble on about for hours. A lighting specialist will take you through the whole process; from advice to design to installation and then to provide the aftercare to keep the system in tip-tip condition for years to come. I won’t bother you here with the detail of the process, let’s concentrate on what is in it for you - what will a garden lighting system do for you and your garden?

- It can be used to create an intimate atmosphere to dine alfresco
- Use the light to create a focal point as a view from the house, throughout the year
- Use light to lengthen the evenings and extend the seasons
- Illuminate key plants, trees, water features or statues
- Use the lighting to celebrate seasonal festivities
- Use different levels of lighting for different occasions eg dining outside, having a party, as a view from the house
- Use color change lighting to add drama and interest all year round
- Use timers and sensors to make your house "look" occupied when you are away

However, before you get giddy, you need to consider the costs of having a garden lighting system installed. Garden lighting is an investment: you don’t want it to work for few weeks or months - you want it to work indefinitely. Well, to achieve that you must invest in good quality components and good quality light fittings eg install the correct breakers to protect the system (and you family), proper armoured cable that is rugged and robust, waterproof junction boxes & transformers and the best light fittings you can afford.

Don’t be persuaded by companies that offer garden lighting at really low prices - the job has to be done properly, using the right materials and installed by a qualified electrician who can sign off the works as part of the obligatory regulations. Also, if you have invested sufficiently in the infrastructure, you can add to the system as and when you wish.

If you make the investment, then you will reap the rewards and have the lighting system that you have dreamt about - now get out there and enjoy it!

About the author:

Simon Sales is the co-owner of two businesses; Waterwell Limited designs, installs and maintains garden irrigation & garden lighting systems in residential properties throughout London and the South East. Landscapeplus.com is a wholesale business based in Gloucestershire that sells water irrigation product, garden lights and pond pumps to the landscape contracting trade throughout the UK. Simon Sales has been involved in the horticultural industry all his working life, in one guise or another and now works alongside property developers, garden designers and architects in private London properties, designing and installing garden irrigation and garden lighting systems.