Time to shine Enjoy your garden after dark with clever illumination

Lytworx festoon party lights in Warm White, $64.99/ 10 bulbs, I/N: 4352194

Time to shine

Discover how clever illumination can help you enjoy and tread safely in your garden after dark

Outdoor lighting

The right outdoor lighting can work wonders in the garden. “It can reinforce an ambience, create drama and bring life and vigour to an otherwise lifeless space,” says Adam McDonald of Impressions Landscape –Design. With careful planning, a thoughtful lighting scheme will sprinkle a little magic over your backyard, as well as help you navigate it safely. }

Highlighting individual plants can turn them into focal points and throw light on other structures, such as pools and their surrounds

Safety tip All hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradie

Ponder the ponds Lights around pools and water features help transform a body of water into a wonderland after hours – as well as increasing the safety of your midnight dip. In-ground lights are ideal to light the way, while pool lights effectively illuminate the water source.

“The amount of lighting in the pool will depend on its size and shape – a small pool may only need one light, but a large and irregular-shape pool may need three or more,” explains Adam McDonald. Don’t forget to use lights to highlight any attached water features or structural elements and, for real wow factor, consider lighting up the landscape around it too – the visual impact is worth it.

Always consult an electrician prior to pool installation, as they will be able to best advise what’s possible, especially for in-pool lighting. Light the way Lights can help you safely navigate your way through the garden, but you needn’t be blinded with glare. “Lights such as path bollards, wall and step lighting and even downlights can be used to reinforce the usability of a garden,” says Adam. Position solar bollards or lanterns along a path to create a statement walkway, or consider using them to illuminate surrounding garden beds – sufficient to highlight where you’re walking, while making a feature of the adjacent plants. In-ground LED lights are smart-looking options, but for a similarly eye-catching feature, try strip lighting. “Strip lighting on the right project – under stair nosing, around garden bed edges or retaining walls – can be both functional and statement driven,” says Adam.

Strip lighting is a stylish way to make steps easier to see at night

“The key to a good lighting scheme is in the design and planning. This ensures all areas are well considered and that provisions can be made early so that access and installation are not an issue”

Adam McDonald landscape designer

Duty calls Task lights need to be practical, but there’s no reason why they can’t be stylish, too. “Rather than solving a problem with a garish white light, a combination of layered light variation using one or more ornamental fittings can be used for a more

Uplighting onto trees creates a bewitching display of light and shadow

design-driven lighting approach,” says Adam. Look for fittings where the housing or finish is a feature in itself. To incorporate them into the existing landscape, partner with other light sources to create a complete lighting effect for the whole space. “Downlights, outdoor pendants or track lights are a great design-conscious approach that will provide a comfortable and softer setting for task-focused outdoor spaces,” explains Adam.

In the spotlight Outdoor features and focal points deliver character, so it’s a shame to lose them in darkness. “Spotlights can be used to cast a strong beam of light directly onto an object, plant or tree, to help bring features and elements to life,” says Dayna WalkerMathews of Holman Industries. A single spike light is ideal for throwing upward light onto a tree – position it to capture the beauty of the trunk and the canopy. A series of spotlights also works well to highlight trees or plants along a perimeter or path. “The best designs combine small and large spotlights, each adjusted at slightly different angles, to add depth and create ambient lighting,” she says.

Adam adds, “Use spotlights to highlight features, but also to cast alluring shadows to help create a relationship between the light source and darkness.” This increases the sense of drama, adds depth and helps to enhance colours and textures. }

Take control Smart lighting puts you in control of your outdoor lights with a click of a button (or a scroll on your smartphone). “There is safety in knowing your home can be lit up with such ease,” says Dayna. “You can link systems to voice commands, to turn on when the sun sets or when you arrive home, or to create custom colour schemes.” Smart lighting is available for most outdoor light forms, from string lights to spotlights. They are often ‘plug and play’ (meaning easy to install yourself) and can be controlled via bluetooth or wi-fi.

Holman bluetooth garden light controller with inbuilt transformer in Warm White, $128, I/N: 0011684 Arlec ‘Up and Down’ smart LED wall light with Grid Connect, $84.99, I/N: 0119823 Brilliant ‘Corymbia’ smart wi-fi DIY colour LED garden light kit, $229/ pack of 6, I/N: 0145085

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Colour your world Lights can be used to add character or a sense of whimsy to your space. Wrap fairy lights around tree branches, use them as a veil over the pergola, or secure them along decking rails – ensure they’re waterproof and designed for outdoor use. Warm white string lights create a classic ambience, while coloured lights add an element of fun to any outdoor area. If experimenting with colour, especially for parties, look for lights you can easily adjust. “RGB lighting systems are controlled via an app, so you can easily change up the lighting to suit your mood or create a more dynamic display,” says Dayna Walker-Mathews.

Create a party vibe with colourful, weather-resistant lights. For similar, try Lytworx multicolour connectable festoon party lights, $44/pack of 20, I/N: 0139564

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1 HPM 12V LED spotlight in Stainless Steel, $54.98, I/N: 0298460. 2 Verve Design ‘Maynard’ coach light, $69, I/N: 0038793. 3 Holman 30mm RGB colour deck lights, $69.98/pack of 6, I/N: 0011667. 4 Holman RGB colour pond light, $64.98/pack of 3, I/N: 0082354. 5 Philips Hue ‘Lily’ 8W 600lm IP65 outdoor spot base kit in Black, $173, I/N: 0087401. 6 Click vintage solar LED pathway light, $12, I/N: 0180262 7 Brilliant Lighting ‘Chateaux’ 240V 42W coach wall light, $99, I/N: 7071777. 8 Arlec LED smart bunker light with Grid Connect, $29.99, I/N: 0119822. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Eufy 1080p security floodlight camera in White, $348, I/N: 0188154†

Safe and sound Though a beautiful lighting scheme can transform your garden into a work of art, practical security lighting is still important, offering a clear path and peace of mind. For a better sense of security, install motion-activated sensor lights around entrances and access points, like the front door, side gates and garage. Consider their height and placement, as tree branches and pets can easily set them off. You can also adjust the length of ‘on’ time, particularly if there is a distance between the front gate or carport and the front door. ◆

Brilliant ‘Raptor II’ 2 x 11W LED twin security flood light with sensor in Black, $94.98, I/N: 4371330 Arlec solar wall light with motion sensor, $18.77, I/N: 0038258

Philips 8W 850lm LED light and motion sensor ES globe in Warm White, $26.75, I/N: 0161033