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What type should you choose?

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Each type of light fixture serves a specific purpose. The following is a
list of common models and their uses.

Multi-directional spotlight. The beam is used to highlight a specific decorative element, like a plant or a statue.

Underground spotlight. A buried fixed beam. Some models, geared specifically to rock gardens, are hidden inside a rock, either real or artificial. Used to shed light on a specific spot.

Submersible spotlight. Fixed or adjustable beam, depending on the model, installed underwater. Used for pool lighting.

Path light. Projects light downwards. Used along path edges or in plant beds.

Oval wall fixture. Diffuses light on all sides. Used for fencing, terraces, pergolas, house walls and stairs.

Pier post or bollard fixture. Offers diffuse light all around. Used to mark off the edges of a path or plant bed.

Security lighting. Projects light downwards. Wallmounted and recessed models are available. Used to highlight vertical changes (stairs, terrace levels).

Electrical or solar power?

Two major categories of light fixtures are available.

Low-voltage electrical lighting. Light fixtures that fall into this category are the most popular and best performing models used by the pros. A transformer plugged into an outdoor outlet reduces the domestic current to 12 volts, avoltage comparable to that of a car battery. But an electrician is required to install any outdoor outlets compliant with the Canadian Electrical Code and to ensure that your installation doesn’t overload circuit breakers.

Advantages: Meets almost all garden-lighting requirements; a wide range of models, designs and colours are available; affordable.

Disadvantages: Requires several pieces of equipment (transformer, wire, connectors);time must be spent plugging in, as well as running and camouflaging, wires.

Rechargeable-battery-operated solar lighting systems. These are used mostly for decorative accent lighting. Recent neon and LED (light-emitting diode) models offer performance far superior to that of their pale yellow forebears and provide eight to 15 lighting hours per day. In reality, even when the battery is fully charged, the lighting these systems provide is only half as effective as that of low-voltage systems, barely enough to mark out a small path or plant bed. They are geared mostly to small spaces exposed to the sun but where nighttime lighting needs are minimal (like an outdoor terrace or a balcony).

Advantages: Wireless; do not consume electricity (the rechargeable AA batteries are replaced every two to three years); easy to install, move and store in winter; tabletop or floating models are available.

Disadvantages: Weak lighting; lighting hours and power are proportionate to exposure to sunlight (if days are grey or the lamp is poorly placed, lighting will be weak and shortlived); only available in a limited range of fixtures and colours.