The history of low voltage ground lighting goes back to the late 1950's. Bill locklin, now president of 'Nightscapings' was charged with illuminating a site for an appearance by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Locklin wanted to create some special effects and used tin cans, jars and other items to get the landscaping effect he was after. To be safe, he turned to low voltage products. This was the birth of low voltage landscape lighting.

Today landscape lighting projects usually are motivated by one of three reasons; a property owner wants to heighten the security around their property, lighting a dangerous area such as steps for safety precautions, or making their home and grounds look as good at night as they do during the day. Lighting fixtures come in many different types: Solar powered outdoor lighting fixtures, which include marker lights, L.E.D. style lights swivel garden lights, path lights and sensor lights. There are a range of crescent wall lights for decks and walkways that mount on vertical surfaces. Garden fixtures are available in antique styles. Mushroom forms or crescent and wall lights can be used to create a dramatic up-lighting effect from a light source hidden in the ground. Lights can be made brighter or dimmer from one switch in most cases. Automated transformers allow the lights to come on and off to conserve energy and serve their purpose at the appropriate time.

Night lighting has come a long way since the 1950's. Enhancing your shrubs, turf and walkways with night lighting will add not only to the enjoyment of your landscape but also to the enhancement and value of your property

Scott Schmale, Star Landscape