Techniques
The ways lighting can be used in a garden can be summarised into various categories, many of which of course can overlap in practice.
Shadowing
The intention of shadowing is to throw the shadow of a small plant or object onto a surface – a wall or paving depending on the positioning of the lamp. It serves to exaggerate the role of that chosen e in the overall vista, and works even better with plants that move in the wind. Silhouetting is when a "spread" light is placed between plant material, a sculpture or a fountain and an adjacent wall for example..
Washing
Washing creates an even, muted light that highlights a wall or any other texture to create an intimate atmosphere by defining the space. Grazing is used with the light right below the vertical to give higher definition to the texture.l. Lights to use for this are wide beam spike spots and floodlights.
Spotlighting
This technique uses a fixture to become a focal point -a specimen plant, statue or water fountain. Use one or two spotlights to highlight your favorite feature. The play of light and darkness can be quite intriguing, especially if the object is affected by the breeze. Lighting the object from low down and angling upward can provide a larger than life dramatic effect
Steplighting
This is usually done for functional reasons rather than to create an effect – although the effect can also be stunning. The light is provided by small lights set into a side wall which can have louvres or hoods to disperse the light and reduce glare. Alternatively you can also use LED strips to light the edges of the steps.
Underlighting
Steps, seating areas, tables, rocks in pools - anything can be underlit these days particulatry with low cost LED tape technology. For a local glow to brighter use for full illumination, there is nothing that cannot be lit in a garden these days!
Silhouetting
This is done by illuminating a surface or wall behind an object so the sharp dark outline of the object is enhanced in the foreground. This is different from backlighting which produces a ‘halo’ effect around the object.Works well for smaller trees too and can create a sense of space in a smaller area. Use spotlights or floodlights.
Moonlighting
To create this lighting effect, lights are placed high in a tree and aimed downward. This is also great way to down-light a patio or a seataing area. Place multiple fixtures high up in the tree branches and cross light down on the hardscape below. The leaves and branches of the tree cast interesting shadows on patios and pathways and mimic the effect of a full moon lit sky.
Spreadlighting
This is created by using low-level stem mounted lights with a shade on top to cast the light downwards and to avoid glare form nay position. They are usually used to provide illumination for paths, steps, terraces and areas of low-level planting such as herb borders.
String lighting
Festton and lines of "fairy lights - the appeal is obvuous and taritionnaly the type of light we are all familar with. Fabulous for covered setaing areas,Pergoas, and filling larer shrubs or tress-prehaps switched only for parties and Xmas?
Water lighting
Fixtures submersed in water features create an extra special effect at night. Use submersible lights in ponds, fountains and swimming pools to add depth to an otherwise dark flat surface. Moving water, especially, can change and produce fascinating ripples and glints. Colour changing pool lights are used to provide both motion and color in the pool or spa.