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Issue link: https://landscapecontractor.epubxp.com/i/120950
Above: Directional (6.5-watt MR 16 LEDs) and wash lighting on the lower shrubs combine with uplights on the trees to create a cohesive light composition throughout the scene. The abundant native and naturalized plantings receive regular care from the owner. Middle: Twenty-watt halogen area lights illuminate the pathway and cast light on the assortment of begonias and sedums that border the walkway. The lighting designer varied light levels by installing the highest light level to the rear of the lighting scene, the mid light level in the front and lowest light level in the middle ground. Bottom: The concolor fir hedge at the far right end of the patio forms a privacy screen to separate the living space from the entry motorway. The sidewalls of the hot tub have low-level lights to outline the spa for safe use without hindering views of the night sky. The specimen dogwood within the patio enclosure is up lit, connecting the fir screen to the planting beds on the outside of the decorative fencing. DBM A secondary vertical elevation beneath the tree canopy was lit to create a lower vertical backdrop to the water feature. This lower lighting layer uses up lighting and washes provided by LED MR 16s (5.0-watt, 380 lumens). Illuminating the lower level plants enhanced the backdrop and created a lovely reflection on the pond surface that can be enjoyed from the home. The ability to light vertically at two varying elevations met the client���s request of viewing the water feature from their residence. To illuminate the numerous spillways and falls, a total of seven aquatic luminaries were strategically positioned along the spillways and at the base of the falls. The lighting objective was to illuminate the water movement, highlighting the falls to bring the spilling water over the rocks to life. Submersible fixtures were installed and positioned at the water surface level with illumination focused upstream on the spillways. The fixtures were additional LED MR16s (5.0-watts, 380 lumens) with a beam spread that varied from 15 to 60 degrees depending upon position and location. The objective was to conceal the fixture to the viewer and spread the light with varying degrees of coverage. A variety of colorful perennials were planted abutting and between the many spillways. Beam spreads of the directional water lights were angled to illuminate many of these plants. Light was purposely omitted from some of these planting beds, directing the eye to focus on the waterfalls and cascading water spillways, which are considered priority viewing in the nighttime hours. Viewers will enjoy the bounty of color from the various perennials during the daylight hours, and the altered nighttime view brings the water features to life. LC April 2013 31