One Client's Testimonial
One evening, while driving home from work, I observed a house glowing in the distance. I had driven by this house for years and never really paid any attention to it, especially at night. Well, tonight was different because it had captured my attention. So I pulled over to satisfy my curiosity and to take a closer look. I couldn’t decide if the house had been painted or the yard had new landscaping? Then it occurred to me that the owner had installed a landscape lighting system and installed new decorative lanterns at the front door.
I looked at the landscape layout for a while and began to appreciate that each of the lights was there for a specific purpose. The property was engulfed in a soft wash of artificial moonlight interrupted only by elegant shadows and leaf patterns cascading across the lawn from lights mounted high in the trees. The decorative trees on each end of the house had small up lights specifically to showcase their unique shape and to highlight the foliage and blooms. Several well placed up lights were hidden in the bushes softly illuminating the façade of the house, showcasing the architectural features of the home. Small copper path lights were concealed in the bushes providing random pools of light so guests could safely navigate the sidewalk and stairs. And finally, decorative lanterns, once just glare bombs were dimmed properly as to signal a welcome sign to guests and visitors.
As I drove away, I was now inspired and motivated to explore landscape lighting opportunities at my own home. My wife has asked me for years to do something to spruce things up around the pool, but I always made an excuse or was too lazy to ask for professional advice. Personally, I thought the pool area looked good during the day, after all it was my hobby and I enjoyed working in the garden. The palm trees were elegant, tall and mature. The shrubs were well manicured and the planting areas were rich with blooming plants of all colors. But at night, all you could see was the light in the pool and a faint silhouette of the trees in the evening sky. My beautiful garden was a black hole. I hated to admit it, but my wife was right. My garden needed something other than plants and that missing element was a landscape lighting system. So the very next day, I set out to the local home improvement store to see what equipment was available.
What I discovered at the home improvement store was they had a wide selection of plastic and metal fixtures in various shapes and sizes. They had up lights, path lights, step lights, transformers, and time clocks. The plastic fixtures were lightweight, low wattage and the least expensive. The metal fixtures felt more heavy duty, had higher wattage lamps and consequently were more expensive. What they had was interesting, but I wanted something nicer for my yard. So I picked up some free brochures, learned a little about installing a low voltage lighting system and headed back to the house.
When I got home, I grabbed a ruler, a piece of paper, a cold beer and began to sketch my yard and to develop my first lighting design. I knew that I needed to light the trees first, that was a no brainier. Secondly, I drew in a spotlight specifically to illuminate the waterfall feature. Then I added several path lights around the sitting area and walkway for accent lighting. And finally, I located an outdoor receptacle and potential transformer location. I was ready to flag my locations in the yard and wait until dark. Later that evening, I used all the flashlights I could find to experiment, test my locations and to get my wife’s blessing. She was smiling, my design was good and I was motivated to see this through!
The very next morning I decided to do some research on the Internet and discovered this very informative web site devoted to landscape and interior lighting products. I was amazed at the selection of products in every size, shape and color, including copper. At the same time, I was overwhelmed with the selections, and became confused as to what equipment was right for me. So I called for a little free advice and discussed my design with a consultant. He was able to quickly help me assemble a lighting package at a cost that I was comfortable spending at the time. We talked about the size of the trees to determine the correct wattage and beam spread and how best to light my fountains, without creating glare or shadows. We looked at several path lights and I selected this cute little copper one that would over time, patina to match the gutters on my house. Since this was my first design, we sized the transformer with capacity to add more lights in the future and wire to handle the load. This guy really knew his business! I didn’t learn about beam spreads or wire size at the home improvement center. I was smiling, my wife was happy with the price, so I placed the order.
The order arrived just in time for my party. After unpacking the order, I began installing the equipment, first by placing the lights in the flagged locations, mounting the transformer and running the wires. The online consultant had suggested that I not bury the wires until I was satisfied with the results, that way I could easily move things around to fine tune my design. After dark, the timer kicked in and my once vast black hole was now rich in light and screaming for my attention. For the first time, I could actually see the yard from the easy chair in my den. I adjusted several of the lights to dramatically illuminate the Palm trees. The fountain once just a faint sound in the dark was transformed into a sculptural display of light and movement. It was time for another cold beer. Why had we not done this years ago? I was content with my work and the next day I buried the wires and threw out some mulch in preparation for the party.
The day of party, since the weather was cooperating, we decided to serve drinks and dinner around the pool. Most of the guests were my dear friends and had been to my house before. In the past, we had dined indoors and the adults had never really spent much time around the pool. We usually let the kids have that area so we could enjoy some peace and quiet. Suddenly, as the lights turned on, my garden was alive with color, the fountain stood tall; the trees were illuminated creating a spectacular canopy of light. My friends, who had never paid any attention to my landscaping hobby, now began to ask questions. Did you plant some new trees? Did you get a new fence? When did you get the pool? What’s different around here? Then my guests realized that I had installed a landscape lighting system and what a difference that outdoor lighting can make.
Well, tonight was different because it was my home that had captured their attention. And just as it happened to me, my guests drove away with a new appreciation and passion for landscape lighting! Thank you for all of your help and advice ! - T.K.
If you are interested in installing some lighting at your home or office just give us a call. Here at Residential Landscape Lighting & Design we are more than happy to assist you with a complimentary lighting design, fixture package or answer any technical questions you might have. Contact us toll free at 1-800-239-2939 or email us today. Good Lighting is on the way with your friends from Residential Landscape Lighting & Design. Call Today!
