Shorter days should not let us reduce our leisure time in the garden, especially the early evening hours when the sun is hanging on the horizon shedding its last crimson hurrahs of the day.

Outdoor furniture now caters for the all year round use of the garden, and except for those really bad winter nights, one can at least keep warm with the outdoor ?fires? designed for patio use, and with a good bar-b-que the night is yours to enjoy.

To add touches of ambience, romance or that extra interest to the gardens surrounds, consider complementing the fire and bar-b-que experience with garden lighting.

Lighting effects can be achieved in numerous ways creating an illuminating experience for whatever occasion or need, from soft lighting to security against intruders.

Light fixtures offering the various dimensions within the landscape are offered in many designs and materials from which to chose, from antique to modern and everything in between.

An important point to remember when installing any lights in and around the garden is to ensure that all wiring is placed in such a manner that it is not easily destroyed by mechanical damage.

Security lighting is unfortunately becoming a necessity in many gardens but with the correct choice of lighting fixture and positioning the effect not only offers security but also enhances the surrounding landscape.

The approach taken should consist of using low level or accent lighting in the surrounds of the garden, especially in darker areas of the property.

One of my favourite lighting techniques is shadowing, which creates a shadow on a vertical service when the light source is placed in such a position that it passes through the outline of the branch system casting a shadow on the surface to the rear of the subject.

Effect is best achieved when ?highlighting? an architectural plant with an interesting branch system and outline.

Up lighting is used mostly for highlighting trees or palms, the type of tree and its habit will dictate the placement of the fixtures.

Trees with a dense canopy should be up lighted from the drip line of the branch system whereas ?lighter? and more open branch systems can be highlighted with the fixtures closer to the bole of the tree.

Spot lighting can create a bold statement if done correctly with the goal being to enhance the subject (a tree, architectural feature or statuary) by using a focused beam on or through the subject.

Glare can be avoided or at least minimised by placing the fixture in such a position that the beam is in a direct light path with the subject being highlighted.

Buildings that have bare walls are not necessarily architecturally attractive, but can have their appearance enhanced at night by using silhouette lighting.

Silhouetting is the placement of the light fixture between a plant or other subject and a wall with the light being directed on to the vertical surface.

The dark image of the subject is highlighted when viewed from the foreground, and contingent on the outline of the subject, the silhouetting can be very dramatic.

To dramatise a brick wall, chimney, fence or a fa?ade consider using the technique of grazing. Placing the lighting fixture within nine inches of a fa?ade and aiming the light ninety degrees vertically can enhance the appearance of the surface quality.

To create a low subdued light effect to highlight ground covers, shrubs and flower beds, consider spread lighting, which comprises lighting fixtures ? up to thirty-six inches stem height ? with partially covered shields covering the light.

Light dispersion is low to highlight the intended subjects; however if light is reversed to an upright position can be used effectively in areas of ?heavier? foliage where light is diffused in an upward direction but dispersed by foliage, thus softening the appearance.

Every property requires to varying degrees functional lighting with path, step and deck/patio lighting being the most obvious. Low light gentle arc path lighting creates a navigational aid for pedestrian traffic with additional bollard lighting being used to complement in darker areas and on corners or multi-directional areas.

Step and deck/patio lighting usually comprises of up lighting, recessed and surface light fixtures, covering the total area of pedestrian movement, especially changes in elevation and corners.

There is an additional plus for night lighting in the garden, the very fact that with strong enough lights your husband can now cut the grass at any time of the day or night, with that in mind, it must be time to see the light!