Fairy Yardmother

by Kathy Oberg, Landscape Designer, Los Angeles, CA.
FairyYardmother[at]gmail[dot]com

Thank you for visiting my site. I enjoy bringing you pictures of gardens, plants, and ideas from sunny Southern California.
As a designer, I love using plants to create drama, provide color and form, and compliment the architectural style of any home or business.
I strive to provide a buffer from sun, street, and neighbors while still fostering connections.
As I examine landscapes for my Blog, I am even more aware how important the Design process is in creating a truly wonderful space.
Inspired plant choices and site layout can make any space a success even within a small budget.
I can help you makeover your patio, paths, planting areas, or entire property. I will consult with you, choose a look you love, and compose a plan and plant list to update your landscape as quickly and economically as possible, re-using what you already have wherever we can.


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Garden at Night -- Lighting

A recent trip to The Huntington Gardens to see an evening concert reminded me of the incredible opportunities one has to make the garden feel magical and inviting at night.
Clear pathways and a clear destination are important at night.
Lighting helps define the paths and perimeter without interfering with the experience of the moon and stars. Downward path lights, placed at least a few feet apart and rarely in a straight line, contribute to safety while remaining aesthetically pleasing. Spots shine upward to illuminate tree trunks and canopies, or hide in foliage so that the leaves glow here and there.
Lovely smells waft through the night air. A bench sits where you can enjoy the night. A fountain, if you like the sound of water. A fire pit, if you prefer the glow and warmth of flames on a cool summer night.
Want to improve your garden for night-time enjoyment? Add subtle lighting. Choose plants like Gardenia, Ginger, or Jasmine for their lovely smell.  Reflect moonlight by choosing plants with silver foliage or white flowers.
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2 comments:

  1. Thank you for this - Lighting effects are so often overlooked - washes of light up walls with strong shadows are my favourite along with the subtle effect of moonlight by downlighting from a tall tree.

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  2. Great suggestions -- yes I love the shadowplay against a wall, too, and the downlighting is a wonderful way to light up an area without the need for ground level lighting.

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