Garden lighting

Putting lighting in a garden is often an afterthought but it should be considered from the outset when designing a garden, writes Claudia de Yong.

More and more people are using their gardens as outdoor rooms these days and lighting extends the amount of time you can use the space. Subtle lighting can transform an area adding a touch of romance . Candles add ambiance but there are also so many new lights on the market that have the same effect.

Up lighters on a specimen tree or shrub create a silhouette and add drama. Water features come alive when they are lit and especially from under the water, where you can even use different coloured bulbs.

Being creative with outdoor lighting allows you to highlight features and set the mood. It can also be a sensible security feature too.

The list of uses and styles of lights from solar to LED is endless. Here are a few companies that offer a little something different from the high street.

Jane Knapp from Bath, hand makes beautiful metal wall candle lights in the shape of leaves. Her inspiration comes from many of the historic houses she has refurbished and decorated. She also runs with her husband the famous Walcot Reclamation where Jane has established a repro shop. Please see image of one of her designs.

Ga lighting have established themselves in the garden design market having featured many of their products in show gardens. They have a vast range of lights, have a showroom in London and can offer a design and installation service.

Moonlight Design also offer a design and installation service and have a large array of lights for the garden and cover the Home Counties.

The Italian firm Foscarini commissions designers to make bespoke state of the art products including an ultra modern range of outdoor lighting, which have been used in commercial projects.

The Dutch company Bloom Pot first made the illuminated outdoor flower pots in 2001 and have won many awards with their unique designs. Their waterproof lamps can be recharged by sunlight in the day with the help of a solar panel and in the night it becomes a light .Great for use on boats.

Claudia de Yong Designs