Creating a beautiful garden which is sustainable is not just about the plants you choose, but also about how you light the space at night. With our growing awareness of environmental impacts, the design of our outdoor areas must adjust, particularly regarding lighting. In recent years, light pollution has become a pressing issue, prompting many garden lovers to rethink their approach. This blog post will explore how to design a garden plan that respects dark skies by utilizing low-lumen, downward-facing, and warmer temperature lighting options.
Understanding Light Pollution
Light pollution refers to excessive artificial light that disrupts our natural night skies. Urban areas are significantly impacted, affecting wildlife, plant life, and even human health. For instance, studies show that up to 30% of birds are impacted during migration due to artificial light, leading to disorientation and increased mortality rates. Furthermore, light pollution disrupts local ecosystems and disturbs the natural rhythms of various species of bats and insects.
By creating a garden plan that respects dark skies, you are beautifying your space and contributing to a larger movement that values natural night patterns.
Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures
Selecting the right fixtures is vital when illuminating your garden. Many traditional garden lighting designs have used an abundance of uplighting of feature trees to highlight the trunks and branches of trees. This results in upward spill of the light into the tree canopy which disrupts birds, bats and insects.
An alternative is to use downlighting from 2m spikes or tree fittings which provide an interesting moonlight style of lighting which casts beautiful shadows of the canopy on the ground. Baffles and hoods on the fixtures can also control the light spill and reduce glare to visitors.
Use low-profile fixtures to illuminate pathways without casting light into the open sky.
Downward-facing fixtures, direct light downward, minimizing the amount that escapes into the night sky. This not only maintains the night environment's integrity but also enhances safety by illuminating pathways clearly.
Low light
Opt for lights that emit between 100 to 300 lumens for pathways and accent areas, using the lowest lighting level possible in all cases. The purpose of lighting a garden isn't to recreate full daylight, but to make the space safely navigable and look attractive. Once in the garden, our eyes adjust to the low levels of light naturally anyway, so strong lights are not needed and cost more to run.
Emphasizing Warm Light Temperatures
The color temperature of the bulbs is another essential factor in dark sky-friendly garden lighting. Aim for warmer light temperatures in the range of 1800K to 2700K, which emit a soft, amber glow similar to natural dusk light. Colder, bluer lights wash out the colours of the landscape, using these warmer tones creates a cozy atmosphere in your garden.
Warmer lights are also less disruptive to nocturnal wildlife. Studies reveal that warmer light sources attract over 30% fewer insects than cooler alternatives, which helps maintain the natural activities of creatures that thrive in the dark.
Strategic Lighting Use
In garden lighting, less is more. Use lights only when and where they are needed, avoiding lights near hedgerows, waterways and heights 2m above groundlevel. Use timers to turn lights on and off to match the hours you use the garden. Zone the lights so that you can control lights for specific functions, so that you can light the areas you need for each activity rather than the whole space.
Lights should also be avoided in areas which are close to waterways and hedgerows, as they are prime habitats and should remain undisturbed. This may mean considering the whole design of the garden if evening entertaining is part of the garden useage.
A Thoughtful Approach to Garden Illumination
Designing a garden with dark skies in mind means balancing aesthetics, safety, and environmental responsibility. By using low-lumen, downward-facing, and warmer temperature lights, you not only illuminate your garden but also help maintain the delicate balance of night ecosystems.
Being intentional in your lighting choices and placements creates a space that enhances your outdoor experience while respecting light pollution's broader implications.
As you plan your garden’s illumination, remember that every small choice contributes to preserving our night skies for generations to come. Let's illuminate our gardens thoughtfully and compassionately!
And of course, when you approach your local friendly garden designer to ask for help, request a dark skies plan.
For more information about dark skies and free advice, check out Hudson Lighting
Comments