Lighting makes a garden usable after dark and adds drama. Costs range from a few solar stakes to a professionally designed system.
Running costs for modern LED lighting are usually low.
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Solar
Solar lights are cheap and easy — no wiring needed. They are best for low-level accents and marking paths, but brightness and runtime drop in winter.
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Low-voltage systems
Plug-in low-voltage kits use a transformer and can often be installed by a confident DIYer. They give more consistent light than solar and are safer than mains outdoors.
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Mains lighting
Mains lighting is brighter and more permanent but must be installed by a qualified electrician, with armoured cable or protective conduit and proper circuit protection. Installation costs are higher, especially if trenches are needed.
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Keeping costs down
- ✿Use LEDs, which use little power
- ✿Add timers or dusk-to-dawn sensors
- ✿Light a few focal points rather than everything
- ✿Lay cables while building patios or beds, not after
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.