Choosing the right lights and design for your landscape or garden doesn't have to be difficult or complicated. Start with a piece of paper in the afternoon and sit out in the area your planning on lighting and answer these simple questions:

Do you need functional or decorative lighting? (Both is an acceptable answer.) Some garden lighting has functional purposes, for instance, walk down a path without tripping. You can also install lights for security purposes, like a floodlight hooked up to a motion detector that comes on when you arrive in the driveway. Of course there are purely aesthetic reasons for lighting your garden as well. Garden lights can be used to create atmosphere or highlight cherished garden areas or decorations.

What type of energy will power your lighting? There are four main types of energy that power most garden lighting: electric, gas/oil fueled, solar and non powered.

Gas/Oil: Torches and gaslights have a small canister to fill with liquid fuel. These gas-powered lights are great for sparse use, but impractical to fill often. They may also be a fire hazard, so they need to be kept clear of plants and flammable material.

Electrical: Electrical is more convenient and versatile. A low-voltage electrically illuminated garden is easy to install, but the transformer must be kept safe from the elements. Higher-voltage lighting systems need to be installed by an electrician. Make sure you are always careful of hidden cables while using garden tools.

Solar Lights: Solar lights are simple, versatile and eco-friendly. These lights store the sun’s energy in photovoltaic cells. At sundown they are turned on, and stay on until they run out of power or the sun rises again. Most of these lights use LEDs, which require less energy than bulbs.

Non-Powered: Non-powered includes candles and lanterns. These act as great temporary sources of light during a party or special event. As with gas-powered lights, these lights present a fire hazard if not carefully placed.

How much lighting does your garden require? For a decoratively lit garden, a few lights are all you need. On the other hand if you plan to work on your garden after dark you will need a more powerful light source. You may consider a spotlight or two to light the entire garden area.

What material should your lighting hardware be made of? There are many different types of materials and finishes available. Some popular designs include wrought iron, panted or unpainted metal, copper plastic or glass. Wrought iron and copper tend to be the most durable and will weather to a patina that blends in well with most gardens.