Mid-Summers Night
Images, thoughts of those mid-summer nights, maybe fireflies in the Midwest. And yes, this time of year in the Southwest Sonoran Desert, it can still be 100 degrees at midnight, but most of the year sitting outside is refreshing. Maybe the two of you under the soft magical overhead landscape lighting on your patio, under a large tree, a couple glasses of wine, talking over the day. Maybe other members of the family join in talking about the day. Maybe it’s curling up in a good chair and reading a book. Creating such a magical space makes for memorable experiences.
Part of this article pertains to the Southwest Sonoran Desert, however, the design principles and elements can be created anywhere.
Your Favorite Space
Find a favorite space in your backyard, your oasis gardens, near a small fountain, the sound of water, near your meditation space, maybe the patio, under a patio tree, maybe where there is a great view, maybe overlooking twinkling city lights and add that soft glow of overhead lighting. All you need is a space the size of a 10’ x 10’ area, more or less.
I would say for the most part, create one space in the garden. However, maybe you have a larger area, and maybe smaller children, in which you create their space, as well.
Rule of Three
Using the rule of three will provide a nice variety and contrast of “soft, warm glow” of lighting elements. First, as the primary lighting, string two or three strands of smaller Christmas lighting or what is called “fairy” lighting. Second, add a strand or two of the larger “bistro or vintage” lighting. The bistro bulb adds a bit larger scale in contrast and compared to the smaller lights, as well as the quantity of “fairy” light bulbs. You can also add the latest “micro” led that is part of a copper strand for an even finer look. A couple of these swagged back and forth are plenty. Then for the third lighting element, add larger, yet fewer unique lights, maybe even lit candles, a few here and there.
Perspective, Here and There
Now, the purpose is certainly to be able to see who you are chatting with or what you are reading, but much of this visual experience occurs from a distance. There is the experience within, and there is the experience from a distance. Imagine your being in the space with a friend or family, and then imagine you’re looking at family in the space from a distance. This creates more of a design element viewed from another’s perspective at a distance while visualizing the three scales of lighting, the design principles of variety and contrast. Depending on the size of the space, one strand can functionally light the space. The aesthetics and the magical touch happens with the variety and contrast of lighting. Also, a couple, few unique ground level lights to show the way is a nice touch.
Affordable
And, these lights can be found at affordable prices at your big box stores, hardware stores, specialty shops and on-line shopping. The following provides a nice sampling of garden lighting strand types. https://www.lights.com/vintage-string-lights
And, if it helps, add a ceiling fan for the patio and/or a line of misters for those few weeks when nights are still very warm. The cold drinks are still good and the conversation is the best.
Late September
So, we’ll hit on this topic again in a couple months as the evenings go from warm to delightfully cool, even though the days may still be very warm, say mid to late September. At that time, it may make more sense to add this feature to your landscape gardens. With that, what element might we add on those chilly nights?
WILDCAT
A Wildcat alumni, graduate from the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture, School of Renewable Natural Resources, in Tucson, Arizona, Scott earned his degree in landscape architecture, BLA, and is registered in Arizona as a professional landscape architect.
Scott has many years of practice on a range and breadth of projects applying site analysis practices, native plant inventory and assessment, site planning, property rezoning, and all aspects of landscape architecture planning and design, from scales of master planned communities to the meditation garden.
Blog, website development and design, writer, , including Ripples and Ripples, www.ripplesandripples.com, and Turquoise Spirit Journey, www.turquoisespiritjourney.com. Interests include art and design, travel, health and wellness as primary topics. Anything to do with STEAM, nature and photography, and active lifestyle are always of interest.
“If I were to visit another civilization in the universe, I would first want to see it’s art.”
