Plan ahead. Consider your budget and then walk around your garden and identify the areas you want lighting for and the reasons why. Consider aesthetics, but also pay attention to areas that you will use for social purposes and areas that need illumination for safety and security.
As with indoor lighting, you want to include three layers - ambient, task and accent. Ambient lighting will light the entire space, for example wall sconces on the patio area. Task lighting is focused lighting for specific activities, for example lanterns along your garden path. Accent lighting draws attention to a certain area, for example spotlighting on a tree or an impressive architectural feature.
Outdoor lighting that is too bright or positioned at the wrong angle can cause light pollution by shining into indoor rooms or casting a glare on people who are walking by or enjoying that space. Overly bright lights can also be a waste of money and energy. Choose energy efficient options.
Consider how your outdoor area and garden looks from inside your home. Stand inside and look out - you may have a prized plant or water feature that you want highlighted and visible from inside your home, even in the evening.
If you want to switch your landscape lighting up over the seasons then flexibility is key. Eurolux Lighting recommends LED spikes because they are perfect for adjusting the lighting in your garden according to the changing seasons as they are easily removable.
Olive green or copper coloured light fittings blend into the landscape best and won’t stand out as much in your garden as black or white ones.