Guest Blog: Lighting For Gardens
In the heart of Letchworth, Chris Nicholson had a vision for his private garden. A lighting professional, Chris had sketched out a detailed plan but sought expert advice to bring his vision to life. He turned to us at Lighting for Gardens, knowing of our expertise and our Elipta brand professional lighting solutions.
We visited Chris’s garden to understand its characteristics. It was a mature garden with large trees and lush shrubs, offering opportunity for creative lighting. The garden was secluded, allowing us to uplight the trees without disturbing neighbours.
Chris’s plan was impressive, and we saw how we could help make it even better. We walked through the garden together, discussing which areas should be lit and which should remain in shadow. Leaving parts of the garden dark would create an illusion of depth, making the garden seem larger and more mysterious.
A key strategy was to find focal points. The garden’s Pod, visible from various angles, stood out as a perfect centrepiece. We decided to use two recessed walkover lights, one on each side of the Pod, to subtly reveal its shape. The lights were placed to cast a gentle glow on the ceiling inside the Pod through its front opening, creating a welcoming yet mysterious ambiance.
Next, we turned our attention to a magnificent old Willow tree. This tree, with its craggy bark and pale green foliage, was a natural showstopper. We placed a large uplighter close to its trunk, emphasising its textured bark and cascading leaves.
In addition to these focal points, we found secondary features deserving subtle attention. A bird bath, a white table and chairs, and a meticulously clipped Yew tree each received their own lighting. The Yew tree was lit from two sides to display its three-dimensional form.
To ensure the garden’s lighting scheme felt cohesive, we added low-power lights in strategic spots. The contrast between the brightest lights and the softer accents was striking. Most lights were fitted with glare shields to prevent any harshness, keeping the garden’s calm atmosphere.
No lighting plan can succeed without precise installation. We contacted Mihails Kudrjavskis of FME Electrical. Mihails ensured that every light was perfectly placed, bringing the garden to life.
Throughout the project, our role was to fine-tune Chris’s design, helping him to decide which lights to choose from the wide range of Elipta products available. On completion of the Elipta lighting project Chris’s garden was transformed. The Pod and Willow tree stood well lit, and the garden paths led visitors through a landscape of light and shadow. With the help of our team at Lighting for Gardens, Chris’s vision had come to life.
Full List of Lights Used:
Elipta Pole Spot Duo – Rustic Brown
Elipta Adjustable Recessed Walkover Uplight – Stainless Steel
Elipta Spike8 Garden Spotlight – Anodised Anthracite
Elipta Spike5 Garden Spotlight – Anodised Anthracite
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