Incorporating Lights in the Landscape

Ms. Gripshover

Landscaping

Unit 20

Our Objectives

Identify the major lighting techniques available for the garden

Explain the difference between high- and low- voltage

Describe the proper installation of low voltage lighting systems

Vocabulary

Accent lighting Down lighting Ground fault circuit

interrupter (GFCI) Low voltage lighting

systems Moon lighting Mirror lighting

Night landscaping Patch lighting Photocells Safety lighting Shadow lighting Silhouette lighting Up lighting High voltage lighting

systems

How can you select the best technique(s) for a landscape

Landscape Lighting

Can turn a regular landscape into an enchanted garden

Best lighting is the least lighting needed to get the job done effectively

Night landscaping- designed to enhance landscape after dark Many of the best techniques have been adapted

from the theater

Down Lighting The lighting of an object, area, or surface from above

Examples: Floodlight Specialized lamp Unique fixture Christmas lights

Security lighting protects property When installed well, there is no need to sacrifice beauty for function Illuminates area without being harsh Motion detectors often used

Silhouette lighting- light directed at wall or plain backdrop in the background to show off the silhouette of a plant or statue Not all are considered “down lighting”

Cross lighting- two or more spotlights are shown down onto the same area but from different angles Effect form, known as moon lighting, dim light fixtures are place high in mature trees to

shine down through the leaves Area lighting- illuminate an outdoor room

Most common choice and easiest Bright and uniform Not intrusive to neighbors but create a functional space

Up Lighting Up lighting- lighting sources that shine upward

Very popular as it uses ambient light techniques which are softer on the eye

Accent lighting- small lights use to highlight a particular element, typically low voltage, different shapes; some can be up lights or down lights, or even diffuse lights

Spotlighting- focal glow to an object within the landscape by directing an intense beam of light toward it (a.k.a. toward the focal point)

Shadow lighting- attractive variation of silhouette lighting, different in that it creates a distinct pattern of light and shadow on a plain wall or backdrop behind

Mirror lighting- small but powerful lights at the base of focal point to create a mirror effect in the body of water

Safety Lighting

A.k.a. path lighting Focuses on illuminating paths and steps Some built into the actual steps or railings to

illuminate path Indirect lighting may be used or direct lighting

sometimes called contour lighting Sometimes activated by photocells

Photocells are light sensitive switches that automatically turn on lights in the dark

What are the differences between high and low voltage systems?

High Voltage Lighting Systems Conventional 120- volt electricity Larger lamps= greater amount of light Outdoor electric cable requires burying 18” below ground be a

licensed electrician Good for locations that need a lot of light Sodium lamps are bright and effective, they are less desirable

because they give plans an unnatural look Mercury vapor lamps are better which give a clear light, however,

can attract insects Underwater lamps need powerful illumination to be effective and

are usually high- voltage Electrical+ water= fatal

A professional electrician is needed Buy the highest quality

Low Voltage Lighting

24- volts of electricity Safer Less expensive Widely adapatable Advantages:

Installed by homeowner No need to bury or ran through conduit Prevents electrical shocks

How can a low voltage system be properly installed?

Composed of 3 basic parts: Power pack Electric cable (usually 10- 12 guage) Fixtures

Use as few lights as possible so not to distract from garden

Place fixtures above or below eye level

The Power Pack

Reduces voltage from 120 volt to 24 Sold by amount of wattage needed

Add up wattage of each fixture and chose a power pack slightly bigger

Variety of controls: Manual switches Remote controlled Timer operated Photocell activated Motion detector/ heat detector sensors

Installing Low Voltage

Check city ordinance regarding electrical work Licensed electrcian or a permit maybe required

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device which disconnects when moisture is detected A must have on outdoor fixtures

Start at power pack and run cable to each fixture Use cures of beds or paths for installation 1- 2’ extra for adjustments Once installed bury a.k.a trench Assemble fixtures, attach cable, insert into ground

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