Garden Lights and Garden Lighting Features

Garden illumination

Garden lights are frequently used for security reasons, but garden lighting, even if used only to illuminate the vegetable garden, adds greatly to the ambience of a garden. It is more important than ever to select the correct type of illumination to suit each purpose or occasion. Automatic lighting, pre-programmed circuitry, cable free lighting and high tech wind generated electronics all support the solar garden, which is increasing in popularity but old fashioned manual lighting is still attractive, even in a modern garden. It is now possible to force grow your own cabbage, peas and beans (and other vegetables) in the middle of the night with the correct lighting.

Pick your area to be lit, it might be just the garden swing, a pathway, hanging baskets or many other garden decorations, but whatever your choice there will be some form of lighting suitable. The garden size will dictate the amount of illumination needed. Subdued delicate lighting can also have a big part to play with garden décor. Other areas of the garden which might be enhanced by creative lighting would be a garden arch or gazebo.

Cable and power types

Be careful here because the installation of a mains-supply outdoor lighting feature will require professional electrical skills. Weatherproof cables are required and I have used SWA which is ‘Steel Wire Armoured’ cable. The advantage of this cable is its strength and safety features in that it can bit hit by a spade or pick and not get damaged. I bury this cable about 20 inches beneath the soil. It is quite flexible and can be routed easily despite its durability and it is waterproof.

Less strong cheaper cable can be used particularly if you can manage to clip it to a fence or wall and can keep the cable run above the soil level but make sure you consult a professional if you are unsure. Better still is to use a low voltage circuit and fittings as the wiring can then be situated on the ground. The low voltage for this circuit is via a transformer which itself must be protected from the elements and is usually located indoors or has a heavily protective exterior covering on it.

Laying the lighting cables

The first thing to look at is the lie of the land. Plan the electrical cable route bearing in mind that you may want to dig the ground or plant vegetables near to the cable run. Select high ground for runs to prevent waterlogging. If the lights have not been positioned then this job is easier as you can match the lamp positioning to the optimum cable run. Consideration must be given to the transformer wiring (if used) and timers needed to control the lighting circuit. Timers will need to be connected indoors. An efficient timer will significantly reduce your electricity bill and prevent energy waste.

Garden light bulb failure

The more times a light is turned on and off, the more the element wears resulting in premature failure (particularly the incandescent light bulb which heats easily). Another cause of bulb failure is inadequate cooling for the bulb (sometimes a light fitting will have little room for air to circulate around the bulb / filament. The bulbs are usually protected from the rain by a clear glass casing but it is better, and safer, to substitute the glass for other less breakable transparent materials) Cheap lighting and cheap fixtures should be avoided if at all possible. A visit to a commercial lighting shop or store will pay dividends and you will receive good tips and advice there.

Non Cable tube lighting

Rope lighting (tube lighting) is a widely used way of illuminating the outline of a garden path or perhaps can be used for deck lighting. The tube like, rope light is flexible and very nearly unbreakable and is sold in long lengths. The power end of this lighting is plugged into the main house lighting circuit and then routed as you please externally in complete safety. It is weather resistant too and comes in a number of colors. Whichever type and size of garden you have, you will find garden lights to suit your taste and environment.