Creating a Magical Backyard

This is the time of the year when most of us like to spend time outdoors, relaxing with friends. If you're into backyard entertaining, one of the most important things you can do is add lighting. Not only is it practical, but it's also one of the easiest ways to transform a beautiful yard or garden into a magical backyard. We see homeowners put so much care and attention to detail for the hardscapes, the plantings, and the focal points, that sometimes the lighting is forgotten. Here are a few tips for how and where to incorporate lighting into your landscape design.

The very first thing you will want to consider is how and where you will enjoy your landscape in the evening hours. If you like to entertain, consider overhead lighting around your hardscape areas. If you can put the bulbs on a dimmer, you can also control the amount of brightness depending on the time of night. Overhead lighting can be as simple as stringed holiday lights or elaborate with hanging lanterns. The options for overhead lighting are almost limitless, and our design team can help you find a solution that is right for your backyard.

Next, consider how and where people will walk through your landscape. Making sure there is adequate ground lighting is critical to ensure safety for you and your guests. You can use low voltage lighting in a variety of ways, from small lanterns tucked into the foliage to pavers that light up embedded into your hardscape edges.

Last, but not least, take a look at your landscape and take note of the key features of your design. Do you have an ornamental or signature tree? How about a fountain or pond? Adding low-voltage lighting to the perimeter, as well as uplighting, is an excellent way to draw attention to these beauties, even in the dark.

Once you have a plan in mind, you'll want to work your landscaper to map out the lines for where the irrigation and the electrical will run. Most electrical wiring is laid such that it blends with your plantings and so that it is protected from the elements. And, as for how much electrical draw you will need, your landscaper will work with an electrician to make sure the proper adjustments are made to your household electrical system.

If your landscape doesn't include any lighting and you would like to explore your options, please let us know. The Graham Landscape & Design team can work with you to find a solution to bring nighttime enjoyment to your landscape. Please give us a call today at 541-729-8029.