I think it would matter on the state of one's garden...I wouldn't want lights to expose a wild mess! But if the garden were to be an extra feature then lights could of course be a nice way to add a welcoming atmosphere to the home, although you're right, I have not given it much thought in the past!

I currently don't have lighting in my garden, but when I will when I am renovating!

I've got some in the decking

Perfect Integration - Yes, you are right.. you wouldn't want the light to highlight the gardens mess. Then again, if the garden is that messy lights could aid you as you manoeuvre around.

Tony - Good thinking. It has the potential to be a great focal point and a real asset to late night drinks/dinners outside. Direct Trade Supplies have a vast collection of outdoor lighting so if you ever needed help selecting some new garden lights, just get in touch.

Alant1000 - Deck lighting is really good for subtlety, discreet but very effective. They can make the rain actually look quite nice as it bounces on the wet decking. A photo would be great if you have one?

Garden lighting is essential if you want to spend any evening or nights entertaining.

garden lighting is good

Garden lighting is very important and overlooked

I use lighting in all my gardens, its the fourth dimension!

Garden lighting is so important!! I think it is just as important for winter as summer as it is dark when we get home in the winter. Having your garden lit extends the views from you home and eliminates that wall of black glass. I always discuss garden lighting with clients especially when they are extending or opening up the back of their homes with large windows/doors. The garden can be enjoyed from the comfort of the heat of the house as well as outdoors on those rare summer nights when we can sit out there!!

Why not enjoy the outside as much as the inside, another dimension and area to enjoy 24 hours a day.

Garden lighting is essential if you want to enjoy your garden after dusk and can highlight focal points to be viewed when you are inside your home.

important to bring your garden to life

Garden lighting is critical not only is it practical but also extends enjoyment of your garden into the evening

I believe Garden lighting is as important as any other lighting inside the house.

Garden lighting is definitely important but is often overlooked or done really badly. People use lights inside the house to create ambience so lighting should be used for similar reasons in a garden. If well designed, garden lighting can bring a garden to life at night.

We have a single flood light in the garden and it's terrible.
Fortunately I had the foresight to ask our electricians to wire in a switch for outside lighting when doing our kitchen.

When we do the garden either with year or early next year, I'll be using uplights against the brickwork of the house, and then in the flower beds around the garden.

Id like to have bamboo around the edge of the garden with lights in it

@ghesp if you are thinking about planting bamboo I would advise to use some kind of a root barrier as bamboo can get invasive. Also it would be good idea to choose a clumping variety of bamboo like the black cane bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra). I tend to strip the lower leaves off so that it shows off the black canes and if you are thinking about putting lighting amongst the bamboo it would create some lovely shadows at night.

Thanks, that's exactly what I'll be doing! I wasn't aware of the root barrier though, anything you suggest?

You are most welcome. If you go to amazon and type root barrier you will see them there. A good garden nursery should also have these.

You can get great garden lighting.

Garden lighting is crucial - it can make your garden look quite magical at night if done properly ......

A great lighting design always includes outdoor spaces! LED lighting strips are an amazing, cost-effective way to add a contemporary finish to your garden.

Lighting creates year long interest into your garden and is not just practical but enhancing and enlarging the views from your indoors during the dark winter months.