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.
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.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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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