One really helpful tip for developing a great garden lighting plan is to look for inspiration internationally. The island nation of Japan in particular can help you come up with some amazing ideas if you look at how it have viewed garden lights over the years. You won’t regret it.
Even five hundred years ago, the Japanese understood that a garden was not merely functional but also beautiful. Even a vegetable garden could be lovely. And part of the beauty of any garden was related to lighting. Even if it was a a simple candle or lantern or something more complicated like a trailing string of lanterns, the garden deserved its benefits. Indeed, the relationship between garden light and shadow was as critical to the garden as the decision to plant small trees or trailing ground shrubs.
That comes as no surprise given the fact that Japanese gardens were fabled for their emphasis on harmony, their ability to ease stress and induce a feeling of peace and unity. A garden was the natural world carefully cultivated so that natural beauty became even more exquisite. This sense of artistry was integral to the garden’s wholeness. Worry and fear evaporated inside them.
A Japanese Inspired Garden
You too can create a scene of such serenity and loveliness by using garden lighting to highlight your garden’s natural ambiance.
It’s true that the sixteenth century wasn’t using electric power to light up their gardens. Twelve watt bulbs were unheard of in those days! They used candles and lanterns. If that idea seems antiquated or dangerous today, consider the possibility that’s it’s not.
For example, what about tiki torches? When set up in stable ground posts – and with a glass bulb enclosing the flame – a tiki torch can lend nearby flowers and greenery a soft glow that electric light can’t begin to match. The dance of a small flame, especially in a safe container, is mesmerizing. It’s true this flickering can be copied via electric sources, but the magic is somewhat dulled.
Take a look at the many garden lanterns that are available. You want one with a broad flat bottom – this will keep it from tipping over. Again, you want to be sure that the flame is sufficiently contained so as not to affect the nearby plant life. One or two of these lanterns can give your garden a gentle natural glow that no measure of electric garden lights can replace.
Always remember when using live flames that you’ve got to be in attendance!
But the truth is, once you’ve tried natural garden lights you won’t want to leave the garden! It’ll be giving you that same sense of inner peace and joy as Japanese gardens of old.
