Outdoor garden lighting can create a place of respite and beauty. It can turn a darkened backyard into an entertainment area or place to unwind after a long day. On the other hand, if proper planning of outdoor garden lighting is not implemented it can be an overpowering, glaring eyesore in the neighborhood.

Planning outdoor lighting requires taking into account many factors, such as what types of activities might occur outside after dark or how close the nearest neighbors are and how they will react to a brightly lit yard. Outdoor lighting affects more than just the home it is installed out, it also affects the neighborhood. Consider Christmas and those neighbors who tend to go overboard. Now imagine that same lighting year-round.

The first thing to remember when planning outdoor garden lighting designs is that there are many different watt light bulbs. A much softer effect can be garnered using many low voltage lights than can be had using high voltage, bright lights that are obnoxiously glaring.

Outdoor lighting is not meant to turn the darkness into daylight, rather it is mean to enhance the atmosphere and add enough light to maneuver and enjoy company. Lighting for the garden is a good place to practice the less is principal.

Another important aspect in planning outdoor lighting is determining where people will gather. For example, if there is a seating area, it is safe to assume that some type of lighting should be included in that area. Typically, down lighting is used in outdoor garden lighting plans. However, this does not have to be the case. Recessed lighting around the seating area or uplighting located in nearby shrubbery is other options.

Security lighting should not be overlooked during the planning process. Large lawns often have areas that are extremely dark when the sun goes down. Either these areas should have dusk to dawn light or a motion activated light in place so that would-be intruders find these areas less attractive. Path lighting for walking is another security aspect that should not be overlooked.

The best outdoor garden lighting plans are implemented using professionals who have taken every aspect of the home and homeowner into account during the design process. In the end, the lighting plan will be the beacon that brings friends together on warm summer nights.