Transcript Incorporating Lights in the Landscape

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 lowvoltage
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:





Security lighting protects property




Not all are considered “down lighting”
Cross lighting- two or more spotlights are shown down onto the same area but
from different angles


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


Floodlight
Specialized lamp
Unique fixture
Christmas lights
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


Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety
device which disconnects when moisture is detected


Licensed electrcian or a permit maybe required
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
Search Web for Pictures