The vogue nowadays is to view the garden as an extension of the house, almost making it in effect another room. However a lot of us can only make use of this in the summer evenings, after work Garden lighting takes many forms but it all helps to extend our enjoyment of the garden and provide another viewing dimension It also provides a little extra security and safety. Outdoor lighting really comes alive though when incorporated with water, whether it is providing a subtle radiance to a still pool or providing dramatic impact to a fountain, where the light appears to travel with the jets of water.
Garden lighting
in general terms mains voltage systems are used to illuminate larger areas, and usually take the form of functional (rather than decorative) PAR 38 bulbs or ornamental street lamp style units. Low voltage lighting is easier and safer to install and offers flexibility in lighting pathways, patios, flower beds or individual features such as water features or garden ornaments. Most systems come as kits with a transformer, where you can add additional low voltage cable and, depending on the transformer's rating, additional lamps.
Underwater lighting
although water features look great when lit by garden spot lights underwater lights can look even more effective, especially at the base of waterfalls and fountains. A most striking effect can be achieved simply with rippling water making light 'play' against trees or buildings.
Most systems either come with a choice of colour lenses or these are available as optional extras, but in most cases standard clear lenses are usually the 'safest' and most effective option. Whilst a single spotlight will illuminate the fountain, three lamps spaced evenly around the base of said fountain are even more effective.
Many underwater systems can simply float underwater with the lamp's cable fixed to a weighted object to keep the lamps floating at a specific depth. Nowadays all underwater systems are low voltage. Small spotlights either have a plug-in transformer for a single lamp or have a separate transformer which can run two or more lamps depending on the size of the transformer. More powerful systems are also available for larger pools or features, where the transformer can even go underwater.
