About Decorative Garden Lighting

Decorative garden lighting is widely used in garden styles throughout the world. While garden lighting comes in an abundance of styles and designs, it mainly serves the same purpose, which is to light the garden area or pathway. Decorative garden lighting does not have to be seasonal; the garden can remain radiant and decorative even in cold winter months.

Significance

The significance of decorative garden lighting is that it creates a subtle ambiance in the garden area while providing tranquility and shedding light on dark areas. Many times garden lighting is decorative so that it can be enjoyed during the day in the form of a statue or garden stake, then at night as the sunlight diminishes, it is meant to cast a glow over a pathway or garden full of blooming plants.

Types

There are different types of decorative garden lighting that come in the form of candlelight, solar light, electricity, battery or kerosene fuel. Candlelight creates a light flicker in the garden that radiates and sheds light on nearby objects. Candle lighting in the garden is ideal for romantic gardens full of roses and green hostas. Solar decorative garden lighting is ideal for pathways and porches that guide the way to a garden entrance; the light glow from a solar light can be clear or pastel depending on the preference of the gardener. Electric decorative garden lighting can be in the form of stringed lights or staked lanterns that can hang from garden trellises shining light on plants and garden furniture. Battery operated garden lighting is usually in the form of small lanterns or garden statues that can be turned on and off as desired. Fuel-operated tiki torches or garden torches are highly sought after for garden parties and outdoor activities and provide a great deal of light in the garden as well as a calming flicker that many people enjoy. Fiber optic lighting accents can be found colorfully lit on garden signs and lantern posts that are found in the corners of gardens.

Geography

Decorative garden lighting can be found in areas all around the world in many climates and locations. Seasonal gardens that bloom in the spring, thrive in the summer and change color in the fall are popular locations for lighting. Decorative lighting objects such as garden globes, statues and solar-powered stakes give off light throughout the change of the season. In winter when snow has fallen, solar and electric lighting casts an even glow over snow, winter berries and wintergreen ground cover to create a dramatic effect even in frigid temperatures. Desert locations are home to many garden lanterns that are generated by electricity and candlelight that spotlight cacti and succulent gardens in early evening hours.

Features

Some of the features of decorative garden lightning are the different effects that the lighting gives off depending on the garden accent. Statues often hold globes or objects that send off a subtle light. Decorative torches and lanterns can not only create lighting but can also repel bugs such as mosquitoes while entertaining and relaxing outdoors. Many garden lighting objects outline trellises, decks and fences such as electric and solar powered lights---many of these lights come in garden shapes such as dragonflys, birds and turtles. Faux rocks can accent a garden area and often times have a hole carved in the center to place a solar-powered tea light or citronella candle.

Size

The size of decorative garden lighting varies per the size of the garden and the overall look the gardener is seeking. For a dramatic effect, torches, small lanterns and large ceramic statues may line the entire garden or outdoor deck area. Trellises and gazebos can also be lit up by small, electric string lights to showcase the design of the structure creating an elegant touch for evening outdoor cocktail parties. Basketball-sized, paper, battery-operated lanterns hung from trees can cast a light glow throughout a deck or garden area that is perfect for relaxing on a midsummer evening.

Resources

• Decorative Garden Lighting