One trend is to blend lighting styles of landscaping, home and water garden. (Courtesy of Vista)

As homeowners expand their living spaces to their yards and gardens, people grow more concerned about aesthetics and décor. “They’re expecting to have continuity in the lighting they select,” Dross said. “They want something that will blend with the designs they’ve established for their gardens.”

Indirect lighting gives homeowners the visibility they need without causing temporary blindness from the direct light a traditional porch light can cause, Dross said. “I recommend they use indirect light sources that are actually hidden in the landscape.”

Products are easier to hide. A black finish available on many fixtures allows them to blend more easily in the depths of a pond that would otherwise house brass or other metal finishes that stick out like sore thumbs, Shibata said. Additionally, a new underwater box can wire up to eight fixtures and feed one power cord back to the main supply. “It’s extremely flexible,” Shibata said. “You’ll only have to exit the water once instead of eight times.”

A decade ago, landscape lighting selection was based on function, not fashion. Today’s consumer, however, wants something designed to look good during the day and be functional at night,” Dross said.

Light fixtures resembling brightly colored flowers offer consumers a daytime look while achieving a natural look after dusk. Indoor pieces, such as lamps and chandeliers, also creatively add light outside. “It creates an outdoor room that looks like a dining room, but it has no ceiling or walls,” Dross said.

Lighting has touched urns, gazing balls and other garden accessories as well. “Why not bring a lighted version of an accessory so it’s functional as well an added beauty?” Dross asked. <HOME>