Incorporate clever lighting into your landscaping ideas

If you are planning to develop your home's outdoor areas with some crafty landscaping ideas, don't forget that other elements can also add creativity and atmosphere.

With large-scale projects such as moving earth or re-planting areas in your yard, adding a pool or deck, or the laying of paths around key features, strategic use of outdoor lighting can inject some extra style.

Take into account the wiring of your lighting as you plan for the arrangement of your landscape and begin to hire equipment - power sources will be a concern, however solar panels may be a viable option for some lights.

Adjustable flood lights and directional beams can look great in areas of dense foliage - perhaps combined with the spiky silhouettes of yucca plants or a succulent patch - as they allow a lot of light to penetrate.

Lighting for pathways often comes in many shapes and colours, so you can choose a scheme that works with what you have.

Stairway lighting can serve the dual purpose of safety and style, so make sure that you have reliable power sources for any lights near these areas.