Depending on the type of group or party you are arranging, either the seating, mingling area or dining table is likely to be the central focus of your lighting plan. By fixing a high level spotlight, either on the building or in a tree, a beam of light can be directed onto a specific area to be lit. You could choose a narrow focus bulb to spotlight dining table, for example. Alternatively, a wider angled bulb would provide pleasant, natural-feeling top light for a wider area, maybe where guests will stand and chat.
The light must be placed high up to be really effective, and a fitting with a glare cowl adds to the effect The angle of tilt of the light can be adjusted until you are happy with the effect.
For showing off your plants to best advantage, uplighting individual or groups of plants is an effective way to add interest in the garden generally, but some plants are much more impressive when lit. Open foliage such as that of a bay tree or olive tree is ideal, as are sculptural plants, like the castor oil plant. Tightly clipped or those with a naturally interesting branch structure are also great subject for a spotlight. Topiary balls are impossible to uplight. They can be downlit to good effect, but an even better method is to show them in silhouette, with the light close behind.
As always, spiked spot lighting is invaluable here, and lights can be wired as a group, which you control from the house. It is definitely worth considering low–voltage fittings with a remote transformer, which offers more flexible solutions to a variety of lighting needs. If you allow plenty of cable, lights can be moved to the best position, which can change from occasion to occasion and from season to season.
For anyone interested in creating a really special evening living space, fixed lighting offers even more sophisticated options.
Some concealed lights can create a floating effect, an interesting way to make paths and steps safe. Others can be buried in block or decking or to uplight the texture of a wall, or highlight a fountain or sculpture.
With the more advanced systems, different switches control different areas of lighting. If you have the space, you could choose to reveal a dining or other feature in a theatrical gesture at just the right moment. In a small garden, if you light an attractive feature at the far end, the eye will perceive the space to be larger than it is.
Just for fun, try hanging in a tree. Outdoor Christmas lights look wonderful and you will be spoilt for choice at the range of lanterns of all kinds that you could choose. The effect can be magical.
To get back to basics, don't forget candles and night lights- on tables, ledges, floating on water, up steps, grouped in flower beds and in planters, along the edge of a terrace. Everywhere! Flares add the beauty of real flame. Try them next to a pond, so you get a soft, moving reflection too.
For entertaining, look at your garden as an outdoor room, Begin with lighting to define the edges of the garden, and then to highlight planting. You can choose reflectors for a soft wash of light and spotlights for a more directed beam.
For entertaining, look at your garden as an outdoor room, Begin with lighting to define the edges of the garden, and then to highlight planting. You can choose reflectors for a soft wash of light and spotlights for a more directed beam.
Then it is time to consider how to light the table itself. This can be done using candlelight, or be adventurous and try a narrow–beam spotlight, some metres away, to focusing on the centre of the table.
See the article on fire pits for another wonderful way to add light and warmth to your entertaining space, and can even be used to cook and keep food warm.
