When planning your garden, the things you put in your garden can add as much to it as the plants and flowers themselves. Consider the following categories of outdoor garden decor when you begin your garden planning this year.

Planning Your Outdoor Garden Decor

Your garden most likely already has a certain structure. Lawn in some areas, flower beds, trees and shrubs are common areas in most yards. You may have a deck or porch – and a driveway and walkways as well. The purpose of lawn and garden decor is to get the most out of the appearance of your yard as possible.

• Theme - When planning any kind of decorating project, whether inside or outside, it is wise to think about the theme. Themes can be centered on a very specific thing – a beach theme for example, or they can be centered on a feeling like serenity or elegance. Themes can also be based on a color scheme, like the photo above. Whichever way you go, decide in advance what kind of theme you are going for and for each element in your garden ask yourself “Does this fit my theme?” Having a theme will allow you to unify your garden and create a truly pleasing space.
• Balance & Harmony – When placing garden decorations, keep balance and harmony in mind. Small groupings of similar things, typically in threes can create harmony and you can create balance by taking a step back from you landscape and looking at it from a distance. If one area seems more accented than another you can rearrange until you find a good balance.
• Budget -One good strategy is to set out a yearly budget for outdoor decorating. Seasons change and so should your garden. One of the great things about garden decorating is that you can do it slowly, over time. Each season add a little. Even with landscape lighting you can start small and build a little at a time until the project is complete.

Types of Garden Decor

There are several major categories of garden decoration – the best decorated gardens utilize several elements and pull them together in a cohesive whole using a general theme. Consider each of the following categories when planning your garden:

• Outdoor Furniture – From outdoor dining sets and chaise lounges to garden benches and outdoor bars, outdoor furniture plays a big part in home and garden decor. When planning for your outdoor spaces, consider where you want to spend time relaxing, dining, socializing and observing and plan your furniture accordingly. Outdoor furniture is available in several types of materials and styles.
• Architectural Elements – Adding architectural elements to your lawn and garden décor can add structure and drama. Gazebos, arbors, decks, fencing and other major structures are all examples of architectural elements.
• Water Features – A fountain, birdbath or other similar water feature adds an added dimension to your garden decor – the soothing sound of running water. The beauty of water cascading down a fountain or reflecting the tranquil sky above is what makes water features an integral part of so many landscape designs.
• Garden Decorations – Stepping stones, gazing balls, statuary and sun dials are but a few examples of garden decorations that you can incorporate into your landscape. The wonderful thing about these kind of garden decoration is that you can change it often and easily. A wind chime in the spring can be replaced by a set of sleigh bells on the door around the holidays.  Garden decorations are available in a huge variety and can fit any garden theme.
• Landscape Lighting – One of the most important parts of a garden is the landscape lighting. Lighting can add drama, highlight special features of your garden, add to the safety and security of your home as well as extending the usefulness of your yard.  Low voltage landscape lighting is one of the most popular types.

Summary

Your garden can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.  A well planned and decorated garden makes a statement about the gardener and can showcase the beauty and creativity of your outdoor oasis.

photo credit: coco+kelley

photo credit: epSos.de

Have you ever taken your family for a drive during the winter holidays to see all the houses magnificently decorated in strings of holiday lights? Although a seasonal example, it is just one of the ways that our impressions of a home can be impacted by lighting. Why not take the time to create a year-round landscape lighting plan that will having you smiling each time you pull into your driveway?

Benefits of landscape lighting are in three primary areas:

1. Beauty – Outdoor lights can create an ambiance and elegance in your yard that cannot be created any other way. By selectively highlighting certain areas and leaving other areas in darkness you can create drama and add an entirely new dimension to your landscape.  You can choose lighting fixtures that compliment your garden design and add to the overall beauty of your yard. Landscape lighting also can add a great deal to the resale value of your home.
2. Extending the usefulness of your home – Having landscape lights allows you to spend more time in your yard. A late-evening dinner on the deck is just not the same without landscape lighting. Imagine sitting on the deck, coffee in hand, talking with loved ones while gazing at your garden, beautifully lit for evening enjoyment. There is something serene and elegant about evening lights that draws you outdoors to enjoy them and the natural beauty they are enhancing.
3. Security and Safety – One of the most important, yet overlooked aspect of outdoor lighting is security and safety. Having well-lit paths help homeowners and visitors navigate the property more easily. Lights can be put on timers to turn on when you arrive home from work, making unloading the car full of groceries an easier task. Flood lights on motion sensors can help avoid accents as well as help cut back on crime.

Landscape lighting offers a wide variety of benefits that will truly maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

Landscape Lighting Power Sources

• Low Voltage Landscape Lighting  – Most landscape lighting is of the low voltage variety. This type of power source is easy to install and easy to maintain. The lights can be installed by a homeowner, although most manufactures recommend that you have a professional install the transformer.

• Solar Landscape Lighting – Solar landscape lights are becoming more and more popular. A small solar cell powers the lights, providing inexpensive and environmentally friendly lighting year-round. These types of lights are generally more expensive to purchase, but the cost will quickly be recouped since you will not have to pay for electricity.

Types of Landscape Lights

• Path and Spread Lights - Path and spread lights are designed for use along pathways, or where you need a wide arc of light that points toward the ground. These types of lights come in a truly huge variety and will match any kind of garden or landscape design you can think of.

• Deck Lighting – Deck lights typically attach to your deck or the side of your home in some fashion. They provide ambiance for a porch or deck setting and are available in a wide variety of styles. You can install deck lights on steps, railings or siding just as an a few examples. These types of lights will add a great deal to the ambiance of your deck and will allow you more flexibility in outdoor dining and social events.

• Specialty Lighting – There are lights created specifically for lighting statuary, potted plants and other specialty situations. There is even statuary with built-in lighting. Garden ornaments often have a lighting aspect to them and can create a variety of moods from elegant to whimsical.

• Water Lighting – Water features are a dramatic element in any landscape and it is important to give them the attention they deserve with proper lighting. There are a variety of water lights from underwater lights to spotlight and accent lights that are water resistant.

• Accent / Spotlights – Accent and spotlights are used to call attention to a particular feature of your landscape or garden. These are also occasionally referred to as up-lights. A good use of accent lights is to place them at the base of trees to create interesting shadows, or use a spotlight to call attention to a fountain or statuary.
  
  

A well thought-out landscape lighting plan will use a combination of the types of landscape lights available to get the most pleasing effect possible.

Types of Bulbs

• LED Bulbs

LED landscape lighting is relatively new. Although it is an energy efficient lighting source, there is no set standard to the type of bulb you can purchase. Make sure to look at the lumens output on the bulbs to ensure you are getting a bulb bright enough. As a point of reference, a 60 watt incandescent bulb puts out about 850 lumens of brightness. LED lights also tend to be whiter than their Halogen counterparts, so take that into account when planning your landscape. You can get a warmer LED light – the warmth of the light is typically rated by a Kelvin – the higher the rating, the cooler or bluer the light is. If you are looking for a cool light, something in the 5000K range will be suitable, for a warmer light try something in the 2700K range.

• Halogen Bulbs

The vast majority of landscape light bulbs on the market are halogen. They produce a bright, intense light, they are energy efficient and they typically have a warm light quality. Bulbs can be expensive and you have to be careful not to touch the bulb itself when you install them.

The best way to decide which type of bulb is right for your setting is to see a few side by side and compare.

Summary

Every homeowner owes it to themselves to get the most out of their landscape by adding dramatic landscape lighting. Landscape lighting projects can be created to fit any budget, and with low voltage landscape lighting, you can add a little at a time as your pocketbook can afford it. Landscape lighting truly is one of those things where, once finished, you will ask yourself “Why didn’t we do that years ago?”

photo credit: Ian Muttoo