Good garden lighting turns a yard into a second living room once the sun goes down. It also makes steps safer and lets you enjoy the long, dry Los Angeles evenings well into fall. The goal is rarely more light; it is the right light in the right places.
Three kinds of light
Path lights
Low fixtures along walkways, steps and edges help people find their way without glare. Space them so pools of light overlap gently rather than creating a runway effect, and aim them down at the ground.
Accent lights
A single beam on a specimen tree, a textured wall or a sculptural succulent adds depth and drama. Use accents sparingly; a few well-chosen features look better than lighting everything equally.
String lights
Strings over a patio or dining area set a relaxed mood and work well alongside a backyard movie night, as long as you can switch them off when the film starts. See String Lights Done Right for hanging ideas.
Low-voltage or solar?
In general terms, low-voltage systems run from a transformer and give steady, reliable light that you can put on a timer. They need planning, cabling and a suitable power connection. Solar fixtures need no wiring and are easy to move, but their output depends on how much sun each panel gets, so shaded corners may glow only faintly. Many gardens use both.
Safety outdoors
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises checking labels to be sure lights are certified for outdoor use.
- It also advises plugging outdoor lights only into a GFCI-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.
- Make sure any extension cord is rated for its intended use, and keep connections off wet ground.
- For new circuits, outlets or hard-wired fixtures, use a licensed electrician. This journal does not give electrical wiring instructions.
Dark-sky courtesy
Light that spills upward or over the fence wastes energy and annoys neighbors. Choose shielded fixtures, point them down, use warm, low-glare light, and put lights on timers so they are not burning all night. Your garden will look better for it, and you will see more stars on a clear evening.
Light to look at
For inspiration, visit public gardens at different times of day; the Descanso Gardens and The Huntington pages are good starting points, and Garden Photos explains how to capture your own garden at dusk.