Lighting adds interest to a landscape

Circa 2000

Uplighting - the most dramatic form of lighting. Surface or direct burial fixtures are mounted in the ground and aimed upwards to illuminate trees, statues, walls, etc... 

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Moonlighting or downlighting - by placing fixtures in trees and casting the light down a natural light is created emphasizing paths, stairs, driveways, etc... 

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Path lighting - low level lighting for walkways, patios, and plant beds. Two types of lighting fixtures are used. The "spread" path light has the bulb hidden under the fixture top so it acts like a downlight. The "globe" or "glow" pathlight has a glass side or a globe that houses the bulb. beware, too many pathlights too close make your landscape look like an airport runway.  

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Grazing - with this lighting technique the texture of a surface-stone or brick wall or tree bark - can be highlighted. A fixture is placed a few inches from the surface and grazing the light to reveal contours and textures.  

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Shadowing - a technique that uses shadows to create interest. A fixture placed in front of a plant shown through it casts shadows onto the wall.  

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Silhouette or backlighting - when silhouetted against a wall or building, trees, shrubs or statues with interesting shapes can be dramatic accents. By placing a lighting fixture between a focal point and the wall the shape of the subject will be outlined. Landscape and facade lighting provides added security.  

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