A few years ago my husband Jim decided goldfish would be good fishing bait since they were inexpensive and colorful, and without my knowing, slipped them into my small pond. Well once I started feeding them, they became my pets (so to speak). Long story short, they have grown to 8 inches in length and it means the pond needs to be enlarged. And we are in the process of doing just that. I want to make sure I can see and enjoy my pets in the evening and with the help of landscape and pond lighting this will be possible. I can’t wait!

Landscape lighting can include path lights, spotlights, step lights, accent lighting, deck lighting, outdoor lanterns, and much more. There are many reasons for lighting your outdoor space besides lighting a fish pond. Some lighting is used for safety purposes. Often, natural night light is not enough to see walkways and paths, which could lead to accidents or falls. Having the proper lighting evokes a welcoming feeling and other than the front door, lighting trees also emphases the entrance to your home or business.

There are low voltage and line voltage fixtures. The low voltage requires a transformer and the wiring only needs to be 8 inches deep in the ground. Low voltage fixtures can be moved easily if plantings become too large and threaten coverage of the lights. Line voltage wiring needs to be 18 inches deep in the ground. There are techniques and terminologies for lighting up the night; silhouetting, uplighting, grazing, shadowing and wall washing to name a few. My blog would become a book if I continued, but I do want to share with you the meaning of some of the techniques. I thank Hinkley for some of this information.

• Silhouetting: This term is also called backlighting, it is used to dramatize an interesting shaped object.
• Uplighting: To illuminate an area, surface or object from below to create a focal point.
• Grazing: Emphasizes a textured surface like a stone wall or tree trunk.
• Shadowing: This is created by placing a light source in front of an object and projecting a shadow.
• Wall washing: Illuminates a wall or surface.

We are now introducing a new line called Zafferano. I’m in love! We have floor lamps, table lamps, and suspension lamps. They are made in Italy and have USB chargers. Offered in rust, white, and graphite they can actually be safe in rain and last 9 hours before recharging them. Place them on a table, hang them from a tree branch, be creative. We are so excited to have them and you will fall in love too.

Come talk to us and let us help you make your outdoor living space more useful and enjoyable. Many of our vendors; Hinkley, Progress, WAC and Kichler offer many choices to enhance your home and landscape.