Spotlights are some of the most versatile garden lighting options available. Through the use of low voltage LED lights, the fixtures and the lights can be deployed throughout the yard to create an amazing and dramatic look with very little maintenance or fixture care required.
It is important to purchase quality LED garden spotlights for long life cycles and maintenance-free operation. Cheaper quality lights will require more frequent bulb changes and, throughout the rainy seasons and the winter, fixtures are more likely to be damaged and require replacing.
Two of the most common uses of LED garden spotlights are in uplighting and downlighting. These two techniques can be used in the same yard, with different features and lending themselves naturally to one option or the other.
Uplighting – Ground Up
Uplighting is the term used for shining the light from the ground up to a focal point. This is the option most people think of when they hear the term spotlight. Uplighting can be very effective when used close to a tree, water feature, sculpture or even against the side of a building or the home.
By shining the light up and not on an angle, interesting shades and shadows are created, highlighting the texture of bark or siding and adding light from the bottom of leaves and flowers. It is also a great option to add depth to a yard, just be sure to position the light up and not out.
Downlighting – Top Down
With downlighting, the LED garden spotlights are positioned above the feature to be highlighted, and the light shines down. This lighting option can be used in a tree to give the illusion of moonlight through the branches, adding a softer, diffuse pool of light under the tree canopy.
Large plants, shrubs, and clumps of flowers are also good candidates for downlighting. The light allows the natural colors of the foliage and flowers to remain visible at night, adding color and beauty as well as a touch of drama.
