Another very important reason for landscape lighting is security. We all want to feel safe and secure in our home, so why not in our yards. Lighting can illuminate pathways and stairs, and accentuate shapes, making your yard more inviting and safe.

There are two common types of landscape lighting, solar or low voltage systems. Solar is a simple installation that only requires you to place the lights. Low voltage requires installation that is generally user friendly and easy to install. If you’re hesitant about installing an electrical lighting system and have concerns call a lighting professional or an electrician.

When landscape lighting use a friend to help you place your lights, an extra set of eyes can help you create a balanced design and complete the look. Choose green or black fixtures that blend in with the foliage and remember to place the lights no more than 12ft away from the object that you want to light. If hanging lights make sure they hang 8-10ft off the ground so that it is easier for you to change the light bulbs. Look at the forms, shapes and transparency of the plants in your garden that you are going to illuminate and decide to light up or down. For special occasions you can add string lights and wrap them around tree trunks or stair rails. Clip lights can be added anywhere and are easy to put up and take down. Umbrella lights, Japanese paper lanterns, or hanging lanterns can also be added amongst the greenery and can add a nice soft glow to your garden.

Some ways to light your garden:

Flowerbeds with ground lighting can define the outline of the bed and up-lighting your shrubs can highlight their shapes.
Trees are focal points, highlighting them allows you to see the texture of the bark and the canopy shape. Trees will also bounce light back into the yard.
Decks lighting makes the space more usable and safer. Down-lighting can provide a candlelit feeling.

Different lights create different vibes:

Well lights go directly into the ground and can prevent tripping hazards. They are easy to mow over, low maintenance, and can be washed off with a garden hose.
Tower lights create a peaceful feeling like moonlight falling onto the garden.
Floodlights create a shadowy effect against fences and the sides of your house and accentuate shapes and textures of objects and plants providing focal points.
Indirect lighting is lights built in under structures that create a shadowy effect on the ground.
Pathway lights are placed along walkways and stairs for safety.
Hooded lights create a downward pool of light with no glare.

With Landscape lighting you can enjoy your garden all year long from morning til night. Change the mood for different occasions by changing the light bulbs, and add creativity and a warm vibe for your guests. Make your garden into a botanical getaway.

The popularity of fire pits today is on the rise thanks to the increasing prices of fire holding equipment. People have realized the cost savings over the long run, as well as the fact that they are easy to install and maintain and can be built to your specifications, reflecting your personal creativity. Installers are not required, however if you’re not comfortable with doing it yourself, outdoor designers are available to help.

There are many different varieties of fire pits available:

1. The most traditional is the circular wood burning pit.
2. If you want something more rustic, a Chimnea fire pit might be the perfect choice for you. Originating from Mexico, a Chimnea fire pit was originally used to bake bread. Nowadays they are used for the same reasons as all fire pits, to
   keep you warm and to grill up a feast (this can be done by lifting the neck off). Traditionally made out of ceramic, they are also available in cast iron or metal which can make them very modern looking as well.
3. A portable fire pit can be a great choice because they are made of lightweight materials and can be moved easily
   or taken travelling.
4. Copper fire pits are the most contemporary and high quality, but be careful when choosing. Make sure the copper is of high quality as some crack near the bottom due to the heat. 100% copper is highly recommended. Copper fire pits are safe and long lasting and add a unique and antique quality to your backyard.
5. A fire pit table is a table with the fire pit built into the middle can provide a ledge on the outside and a place to put things like utensils and materials for cooking. It’s a great place to put a drink and rest your feet as well.
6. Gas fire pits are a modern approach without the worry of flying embers. Clean, safe, and a little more extravagant, but a nice peaceful edition to your backyard.
7. Metal sculptures fire pits come in natural gas or propane.  The steel generates greater heat then ceramic logs and you are able to remove the welded log set and burn real wood.

There are various fire pit accessories that can also be added to your fire pit to create a unique look. They are very versatile no matter
what your décor is, and burn cleaner then gas logs. No ash, soot or embers and they will not melt or emit toxic fumes.Some examples of these accessories are: fire glass(mix and match colours from neutral to vibrant, and create a magical fire dance) , fire balls, fire rocks(ethanol and gas), and fire shapes(triangles, cylinders, circles, stars)

So whatever décor you have in your backyard, there is a fire pit to match it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy you’re perfect outdoor fire
pit.

Here are some common materials used today for patio furniture:

Plastic

Cheap and durable (but not the most beautiful) plastic can be a great starting point if your budget is low and you just want to start entertaining. If you’re concerned about the impact on the environment, plastic patio furniture can also be made from recyclable materials eg: Poly-wood.

Metal

If you prefer a more durable material, metal is the way to go. The two most common choices are wrought iron and aluminum. Iron is the most popular and is known for its strength and durability. It is heavy and not easily moved, but does provide a classic and traditional look that fits in with any decor. Look for thick metal as it’s more durable. Most Iron comes in black, but other colours are available. Aluminum is light weight, easily movable, and handles the elements very well. It can be traditional or trendy and is available in a variety of powder coated colours and patterns.

If considering metal for your patio furniture, remember to use cushions to prevent burns from heat. Also, make sure to keep it clean with soapy water and prevent rust by sanding any rust spots and repairing with spray paint or powder coating. Aluminum and Iron are available from high quality to low quality and in all price ranges, but both will last a very long time if treated well. Metal can provide an industrial or elegant look and comfort and support.

Wicker

Synthetic wicker patio furniture stands up to all weather, stays cool to the touch and can be made to resemble wood. It’s the less expensive choice and can be found at most discount retailers and garden centres.

Wood

Wood has natural warmth and matches naturally with any garden. It looks good, is durable and comes in many styles. It’s a sustainable, renewable material that looks great and fits just about any budget. Wood will fade, but can easily be restained. If treated every year with a sealant it will be protected from the elements including insects. Don’t use a pressure washer on wood as it causes the grain of the wood to become porous and coarse, which can lead to rotting. It’s a good idea to store your wood furniture in a sheltered area during the winter months.

There are several types of wood patio furniture to choose from. Redwood is resistant to rot and holds well in all weather. Teak is popular for outdoor and indoor. It’s hard and withstands the elements,
especially wet weather. It’s an endangered wood, so it is expensive. Teak has natural oils that protect against insects and rot and with proper maintenance can last 80 years. Oak is a dense hardwood, but porous so more likely to rot without proper treatment. Cedar smells great and oils in the wood help to repel insects. Watch for too many knots as they weaken the wood. Make sure to look for solid construction and hardware, and test moving parts to make sure everything is working properly. Poorly constructed wood furniture can last only 1-2 years so be cautious.

There are many choices and it can be hard to decide. Choose furniture that is made to last and fits your personal style. Once you’ve picked the furniture that best suits your needs, budget, and style;
sit back, relax and enjoy your patio furniture in your outdoor landscape.

Have a look at our new pages including landscape lighting, shade tolerant shrubs, landscaping apps for iphone and ipad, and landscaping on a budget.  At Landscaping Calgary, we also want to hear from you regarding your thoughts about our site.  Feel free to contact us with input, ideas, and creative ideas, we are always happy to listen and perhaps we will use some of your landscaping ideas here on this site.  We hope you will visit our new website again soon and enjoy the prolific landscaping Calgary opportunities. Don’t be surprised to see some totally new subjects on landscaping including landscape lighting, pondless waterfalls, landscape stone ideas, and a host of other topics.

Thanks for visiting landscaping Calgary.