Water Lily
Lighting your Water Feature
Lighting your Water Feature
Since we spend many hours outdoors in summer it makes sense to
use lighting in your garden. In the contemporary garden the use
of lighting has become increasingly important where, when
applied correctly, it has the ability to create a whole new
world once night falls. Outdoor lighting can be used to new
create new dimensions and dramatic effects anywhere in your
garden. This is especially so when lighting is used to
illuminate moving water, the resulting effect can be stunning.
While recognising the need to apply lighting to their water
feature, many people struggle with how to position the lighting.
Take into consideration that when it comes to creating your
night-time wonderland that less really is more! Creating a sense
of theatre through creating silhouettes and shadows is
preferable to indiscriminately flood lighting an area. Although
there are no hard and fast rules to the application of lighting
to your feature, here we will guide you through some important
considerations.
Electricity Supply
Since you probably already have a pump installed it is likely
that you already have an outdoor power-point. All submersible
lighting is low voltage but you will still need somewhere to
plug in your transformer. If you do not have an outdoor power
source contact a suitably licensed electrician who is
experienced with outdoor fittings.
Maintenance
Just as you need to change your light bulbs inside your home you
will occasionally need to replace them in your garden. Make sure
that your light fittings are easily accessible to ensure
performing routine maintenance is as easy as possible.
Colour
White light is most effective with outdoor lighting. Although
many coloured lenses are often available they have a tendency to
look positively garish in a residential setting. White light is
also brighter than coloured lenses and is effective in creating
shadows and silhouettes. Coloured lenses are best left to large
commercial fountains with vibrant water displays.
Submersible or Dry Mounted Lighting?
When deciding whether to install submersible or dry mounted
lighting fixtures, it is important to consider your water
quality. If your water is full of algae or muddy then the effect
of lighting from inside the water will be lost and the state of
your water will be on show.
Clear water can benefit significantly from submersible lighting.
Many different effects can be achieved from lighting from within
your feature. Lighting Effects Still Water
Often is it best to use light fixtures to illuminate surrounding
plants and features rather than lighting up the water itself.
Lighting from above angled down will create mirrored reflections
on the water's surface. The darker the water is the better this
effect can be achieved.
Submersible lighting can also be used to create a soft glow
across the surface of the water. This is very effective when
water lilies are present on the water's surface.
Fountains
To effectively light a fountain the light source must come from
within the water angled up at the fountain. This way the light
will catch the air bubbles caused by turbulent water making them
glow.
Waterfalls
To achieve the best outcome when illuminating a waterfall the
light source should be placed behind the waterfall, backlighting
it. This creates an entire new look and a sense of drama for
your waterfall as evening falls.
Alternatively you could achieve a lovely effect through non
directional lighting. Washing a rocky waterfall with light,
highlighting the surrounding rocks and plant life rather than
the water also provides an excellent look.
Features
There are a few lighting options for features these include:
Lighting the feature from above - this effect is best when
lighting is placed in a nearby tree and is at least 3 meters
high angled down at the feature, either in front or behind.
Backlighting the feature - this effect creates a silhouette of
the feature and allows the feature to take on a whole new look
at night.
Spotlighting the feature - one or two spotlights can be
dry-mounted in front of the features and angled up effectively
illuminating it. Underwater light fittings - Submersible light
fixtures can be placed either in front or behind the feature (or
both) to create a dramatic effect. This is especially so when
the water has movement causing the light to ripple over the
feature.
Water Walls
Where your water wall clings to the surface of the wall the best
option here is to light from within the water. A submersible
light angled at the wall here will create a mesmerising effect
as it ripples on the water against the surface of the wall.
If your water projects out away from the wall backlighting the
sheet of water provides a distinctive effect. Take Time to
Experiment
Before racing out to purchase your lighting it is worth taking
the time to test how various lighting techniques will look when
applied to your garden. The best way to achieve this is to use a
water-proof torch and experiment with it. Shine the torch from
above, behind, in front and below the surface of the water until
you get the effect you desire.
Tip
Avoid glare! Glare can be annoying when unaddressed. Take time
to view your lighting set-up from all angles to ensure glare is
minimised.
About the Author
Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a
regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au for more information
on building and maintaining any type of Water Feature as well as
a huge range of water gardening products.
Wrightstown girl raises money for Alex's Lemonade Stand
Lily Roth raised $431.59 single-handedly for Alex's Lemonade Stand during the Sycamore Street Festival in Newtown on June 5.
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