Photos By: Stock Images

Figuring out how to light up a garden in the right way is always a challenge — and, if that outdoor space is compact, this challenge is amplified. After all, you have a smaller amount of physical space in which to fit lights.

You might think that this would limit your scope for creativity. However, the following lighting tips for small gardens demonstrate that having one doesn’t have to hamper you quite as much as you might have expected.

Create a Simple Centrepiece with Candles 

Find some terracotta pots, fill them with sand and then push some dinner candles into it. The resulting centrepiece can subsequently be placed in your garden.

Ideal Home acknowledges: “Odd numbers of candles feel visually balanced, so use three standard-size candles or try seven or nine skinny tapers.” Naturally, going for relatively small pots can give you a lot of freedom over where exactly in the garden the candles can be displayed.

Opt for Electric Lights in a Lamppost-style Design 

Of course, the eye-catching part of a lamppost tends to be at the top rather than the bottom. This helps to explain why lamppost-style electric lights can make particular sense in a small garden, since you probably won’t need to fret about these lights taking up too much space on the ground.

With each of these lights, you could even hide the base inside something else, like a pot filled with flowers — if, of course, you have enough space for something quite this elaborate.

Be Careful How you use Solar Lights 

Though these are obviously eco-friendly, when it comes to the visual effect they can cast, solar lights are better for striking an ambience than bathing an area in light.

Top garden designer Andrew Duff tells Wise Living: “Solar lighting is really gentle, just a subtle glow. You can’t use it for security or lighting steps. It’s just little pulses of light through planting, in the same way we might use fairy lights or lanterns.”

Make use of Wall Lights 

Of course, if your garden rather lacks space on the ground, one logical idea is to see if the adjoining wall of your home is large enough to accommodate a lighting fixture or two.

“Consider quality, buy quality lighting whenever you can. Also, decide if you want the lighting to pop and stand out or be more quiet,” designer Nikki Amodio advises readers of the Homes & Gardens website.

You could find that wall lights of your particular preference are available from Pagazzi, as this specialist retailer stocks all types of outdoor lights.

Hang up some String Lights

These can be strewn across many vertical surfaces — and those surfaces don’t have to be exactly vertical, either. For example, if your garden has a tree, even just one, you might be able to decorate this with string lighting.

One possible alternative option is to hang string lights across a fence — and you might already be able to think of other parts of your garden where those lights could potentially go.

Photo By: TouchStone Accent Lighting, Inc.

A few strategically placed outdoor lights can transform your garden into a verdant paradise. There are other benefits to using lighting in your yard. The key is knowing how to arrange lights for maximum effect. There are two main things you’ll want to focus on: beauty and security. Connect Electric wants to share a few easy methods you can use when designing this year’s garden beds.

Plan Ahead Before You Build or Install

It may be tempting to dive right into building a garden with outdoor lighting. Remember to plan each part of the project before you begin. You may have your garden beds mapped out already, but it’s important to do the same for everything else. Having a plan will help you locate areas you may have missed before you put the work in. It also helps you identify obstacles that could cast shadows or cause a problem if you plan to run wire or hang décor.

Brighten Pathways and Steps for Safety

One of the first areas you should install lights in are those that will see more foot traffic. That includes sidewalks, pathways, and stairs. A path lined in lights looks gorgeous, but it also serves an important purpose. It prevents people from accidentally stepping on your buds and blossoms. It reduces the chances of tripping hazards. Also, light up any places where there is a change in elevation. Stairs can be a big problem in the dark. Even a single step can cause someone to fall and injure themselves. Make sure these spaces are well lit.

Showcase Your Garden’s Focal Points

Most gardens have at least one focal point. It may be one large display in the center or a few bigger arrangements in key areas on your property. Make sure these get maximum visibility by showcasing them with light. You can display a light in front that shines back at the arrangement or work the lighting into the plants or shrubs. You can also use this method to highlight your favorite garden décor. Do you have a statue or bush you particularly love? Maybe a trellis that’s doing particularly well this year? Shine a light on it! Illumination draws the eye and enhances the texture and shape of the display.

Use Energy Efficient Solar Lights

Use more lights in your garden but balance out the energy cost by choosing solar accessories. These lights work well and cost nothing to operate. The best part is that they don’t require any wire or separate power source to use. As long as they can collect sunlight, they will turn on. Many manufacturers produce solar lights that collect energy all day then automatically turn on at night. You can create a beautiful garden and never worry about forgetting to switch on the lights to show it off.

Light Up Social Spaces with String Lights

String lights are very popular right now. There are so many styles, ranging from smaller fairy lights to larger Edison bulbs. Nostalgic designs are made with modern LEDs, so you get the visual effect you want with the efficiency of modern technology. Hang string lights over entertaining areas to create an inviting space. This could be along a fence or wall near a picnic table or from branches or the eaves over a patio or deck.

Every garden is unique, which is why you have to consider your needs and expectations to figure out the best way to light it up. Experiment this year and discover the many ways that lighting can transform your yard into a spectacular place to relax and entertain guests.