by The Pro Landscaper Team | 23 Sep 25 | Commercial Landscaping, Domestic Landscaping, From the Mag, Garden Design |
Landscapeplus highlight what the do’s and don’ts of lighting are when working on a project.
Do: Consider how lighting is zoned and controlled
Having the ability to switch different areas of lighting with a control system provides greater usability for the end user and can take lighting schemes to the next level. One choice would be to split the garden by area or, alternatively, split by functional lighting and aesthetic lighting.
Don’t: Over-do it.
Gardens should be relaxing spaces, and this shouldn’t change after the sun goes down. A well thought out lighting scheme should feel inviting and cosy, and one way to achieve this is to consider the amount of lighting used around the garden. For example, use low output fittings in borders and beds to provide a soft glow, and ensure seating areas are lit with indirect, low-glare, ambient lighting. Save the brighter lighting for functional areas like driveways and pathways.
Do: Embrace new systems and technology
With the boom in smart technology over recent years, outdoor lighting, and more specifically, lighting control systems, have come a long way in such a short time. Although the “legacy” systems still get the job done, modern and cutting-edge technology is more user-friendly and allows lighting control from a smartphone device, or even pre-set routines.
Don’t: Forget your conduit
Sure, retrofitting of lighting can be a breeze, especially with low voltage systems, but in some cases, it can be a real headache. For example, ripping up hard landscaping is time consuming, expensive and labour intensive. If the client is undecided or wants lighting but doesn’t have the budget (yet), we always recommend pre-installing the conduit to allow for easy retro-fit in the future.
Do: Be creative
Whether it’s beautifully patterned wood, high-quality paving, or just foliage, why let these elements get lost in the garden once the sun goes down? Integrating lighting not only highlights these key features but also creates wonderful texture and shadows. Don’t be afraid to create contrast or draw the eye with creatively placed decorative lighting.
Don’t: Use mains power
Low voltage systems are superior for a wide number of reasons. Safety being the most important, of course, but also the ease of installation, lack of trenching, and ease of repair. If you’re specifying garden lighting, don’t allow yourself to be pressured into running high-voltage cable around the garden! Low voltage systems are the way forward, and for good reason.
Landscapeplus
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Read Pro Landscaper’s September issue here.
by Bethany Vann | 10 Sep 25 | From the Mag, Landscape Architecture, Long Reads
Non-profit association, DarkSky International on how we can balance public safety and environmental sensitivity through responsible lighting design in public realms.
In 1878, Paris, France became the first city in the world to illuminate its streets and pathways with electric lighting. By the early 20th century, this bright, glittering innovation had become the norm, with electric light firmly established as the standard for public illumination in urban areas.
As technology advanced and human settlements expanded, so too did the reach of artificial lighting. We have lit our way through the darkness to create supposedly safer, more convenient environments for ourselves – but have we paused to consider the consequences this is having on not just our own safety, but the wellbeing of wildlife in these areas.
Founded as the International Dark-Sky Association in 1988, DarkSky International is a non-profit organisation advocating for responsible outdoor lighting practices that minimise light trespass, glare, and skyglow, with the intent to better protect the environment and the public.
Public Safety
When considering public safety, it has arguably been the assumption that the brighter a space, the better – but lighting programme manager at DarkSky, James Brigagliano, says this isn’t necessarily the case; harsh flood lighting can actually have the reverse effect.
Brigagliano describes how when an area is flooded with unshielded light, our eyes are drawn to the light source, obscuring our vision in the process. But by adding a shield, the light spill is redirected, allowing for greater visibility.
“The main thing is not having a visible source. The brightest part of a light is the LED inside…What we’re trying to do at night is allow our eyes to adapt to a dark space. And they can adapt, if the light levels are reasonable.”
He explains that by flooding an area with unshielded, high-level light, we create a “glare bomb effect”. The LED is the brightest thing in your field of view, making it harder for our eyes to adjust or see anything past the glare. “If you can see the light sources in a lighting layout where you are, it’s going to be difficult to then see people’s faces.”
Brigagliano demonstrates how by attaching a lighting shield to the torch, the glare is reduced but the surrounding area remains illuminated. “When you shield that light source, you are just illuminating surfaces, which is really what you want to be lit, so that you can see where you’re going. Now, your eye has enough range to expose for the dark and lighter areas, and your overall vision is going to be way more acute.”
The Impact on Wildlife
As well as the impact on public safety, studies on the Artificial Light at Night Database show that light pollution has also had an adverse effect on ecosystems and wildlife.
“Anytime you have a light that’s on your property and it’s not shielded, that light is just going to travel. If it’s coming out at a high angle, like 80 or 90 degrees or more, it’s going to travel until it hits something like trees for example.”
Many species of wildlife rely on natural darkness for navigation, feeding, and reproduction; birds could become disoriented during nocturnal migrations, insects can be drawn away from essential habitats, and mammals may alter their movement patterns to avoid illuminated areas. Over time, these disruptions can fragment ecosystems, interfere with breeding cycles, and reduce the availability of food sources, creating a ripple effect that potentially threatens the balance of entire habitats.
“There’s also a lighting application part of this. This is where a lighting design professional would be involved because it also depends on where you put light fixtures. If you have a property, you put light fixtures right on the edge of your property border, right?
“But if you have a pond or a reserve or something next to it, you’re going to have unwanted light spill”, which as Brigagliano says is going to impact local wildlife – “so you’ve got to put them in the correct spots.”
Lighting Responsibly
So, how can we combine functionality with environmental sensitivity? DarkSky and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) have produced five key principles to adhere to when incorporating lighting into a scheme. In order of priority, they are:
- Useful
“Only use the light if it’s needed…If you don’t need it, don’t put a light there.”
- Targeted
“If you’re trying to light a path, light the path. Don’t light beyond 20ft on each side.”
- Low Level
“Don’t light [a space] brighter than necessary… Because what we find a lot of times is that installations go in and they’re 10 times brighter than what the standard is, and that’s a waste.”
- Controlled
“We’re talking about lighting controls like timers and motion sensors, things that will make sure that the light is off if it’s not being used.”
- Warm-coloured
“Use warmer colour lights when possible. But it’s also specific to your project. If you’re in an urban setting, you could probably get away with 3,000k no problem. But, if you’re in a sea turtle nesting area then you probably need an amber light.”
These principles have also been incorporated into IES recommended practices, which Brigagliano believes is just the beginning – “in the future, there will likely be more DarkSky language in revised standards, and I would expect new recommendations/standards would consider and include DarkSky principles as well.”
So, while we’re continually looking for ways to improve our public realms, it is also key to remember that these spaces are not ours alone; they are shared with the natural world, and our approach to lighting should reflect that shared responsibility, with the added benefit of improving our own safety in the process.
Check out the full Pro Landscaper Public Spaces Special – Autumn here.
by Holly Chapman | 26 Jun 25 | News, Supplier News
RF Solutions introduces its automatic lighting control system, RIoT, now with new event timers.
The RIoT lighting system can be used for garden lights, water features and driveway illumination.
With control through a remote, wireless switches, PIR motion sensors and a smart device app, the wireless switching system can operate up to four lighting circuits.
A system with control from up to 20km away, it is also weatherproof due to its IP68 rated enclosure.
While the products are made in Britain, they also come with a 5-year warranty.
For more information, visit: rfsolutions.co.uk
by Aidan Williams | 12 Nov 24 | News
Caribbean Blinds, a supplier of external shading systems, has expanded its installation services to a wider range of products.
The Suffolk-based firm is now offering its in-house installation service for customers buying products including patio awnings, external blinds and louvered pergolas.
Expansion of this service means that customers can receive a perfect installation by skilled technicians using the right equipment.
This can be a complex procedure, and all Caribbean Blinds installers work directly for the company and there are no sub-contractors.
They take the time to do the job properly as they don’t need to boost their earnings by cramming in as many jobs as possible.
Once installation is complete, the technicians will clean up after themselves before taking the customer through the correct operation and maintenance procedures. They will answer all questions and leave the customer with a specialised care pack.
Stuart Dantzic, MD at Caribbean Blinds, says: “We’re very pleased to announce the expansion of our installation scheme because it means our customers will get a 100 per cent professional service from the moment of purchase to the end of the installation process.
“Our technicians have extensive and ongoing training which makes them supremely qualified to tackle even the most complicated installation.
“They are, quite simply, the best in their field, and that is vital for a company that likes to go above and beyond for all its customers.”
Last month, the company further expanded, showing off a new in-store display system.
by Aidan Williams | 04 Oct 24 | Garden Design, News
Caribbean Blinds has announced a significant upgrade to its dealer loyalty scheme by offering increased discounts.
The scheme was originally launched in March this year by the supplier of external blinds, awnings, and pergolas.
However, it will now be upgraded to coincide with the British Blind and Shutter Association show between 27 – 29 October.
Gold, platinum, and black tier discounts will be increased, offering even greater value to trade installers who actively promote and sell Caribbean Blinds products.
Stuart Dantzic, Caribbean Blinds’ MD, says: “We believe in building strong partnerships with our trade installers, and our enhanced dealer loyalty scheme proves our commitment to supporting their growth and success.
“By offering increased discounts, exclusive benefits and unparalleled support, we aim to create a mutually beneficial relationship that benefits both our company and our valued trade partners.”
By spending more, installers can climb through five tiers – bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and black – with each offering progressively higher discounts.
These apply not only to products but also to accessories, spare parts and additional services including installation and surveys.
Spend is reviewed on a quarterly basis and, if after two consecutive quarters, it is above the current discount threshold for the year, the trade installer is moved up to the next tier immediately.
In addition to increased discounts, Caribbean Blinds offers a range of exclusive benefits to its trade installers. These include free installer training, access to marketing materials and ongoing support to help drive sales.
Elsewhere, the family-owned business spoke to us last month about its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading supplier.
by Aidan Williams | 28 Aug 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Garden Design, News
Lite has welcomed Lawrence Hayes into the company as UK specification manager.
He joins after a seven-year spell at Design Intent International, and will now use his 30 years of industry experience to collaborate Lite’s clients, including lighting designers, engineers and architects.
Hayes has experience in high-profile projects such as the seven years he spent working on the Edinburgh St James Project, a major mixed-use city centre regeneration scheme created to improve the quality and quantity of Edinburgh’s retail offering.
His eyes are already looking towards LiGHT 2024, a lighting conference taking place in London later this year.
Hayes says: ““At LiGHT 24 in November, we will be premiering three new European brands which we are extremely excited to partner with.
“Being able to offer unique and crafted LED lighting solutions to our clients ensures that we can be instrumental in making their projects the very best they can possibly be.
“I am extremely excited to join the Lite team and greatly look forward to welcoming more clients to Lite and being a key point of contact to provide quality service. There may be some teasers in the run-up to the event, so stay tuned!”
Steve Hainsworth CEO of Lite adds: “We are thrilled to welcome Lawrence as a valued member of our team, bringing his years of expertise and worldly experiences to the London market.
“Our clients will be pleased to know that their solution specifications are in Lawrence’s capable hands and will be handled with the utmost care and dedication.”
