Like Uplighting, this is a general term that describes a group of effects that places the illuminating source above the target area. Downlighting can be used to light specific garden elements and pedestrian areas or to illuminate large spaces for safety, security or recreational purposes.
MOONLIGHTING
The most natural form of lighting is created by positioning a light source high above the garden and diffusing the light down through the leaves, which creates graceful shadow patterns and a low level even ambient illumination. The lighting fixtures must be installed high in the tree and angled out no more than 30° from vertical for best effect.
To disguise the Moonlight fixture location, specify a Highlight fixture to fill in the canopy understory, thereby balancing the effect. Typically, the weakest implementation of Moonlighting comes from the equipment's lack of adequate glare control, which creates an annoying hot spot focus in the tree, thereby distracting the viewer's attention from the subtle glow on the ground plane. Good plants to Moonlight include those with semi-transparent foliage such as Platnus acerifolia, Salix babylonia or Schinus molle however, if laced, Quercus, Pinus and other dense foliage trees Moonlight well.
This term applies to any form of lighting that draws attention to small garden details such as works of art, unique boulders, or topiary. Typically, a Highlight effect is specified which, although dramatic, is predictable. Look for the opportunity to showcase Accents through the use of Downlighting, Silhouetting, or Shadowing. Trees, trellises and eaves make excellent platforms from which to Downlight. By combining a remote light source with a very narrow beam pattern, an Accent is embellished without an apparent source of light - further adding to the enchanting mood a well designed lighting system creates. The three figures below were photographed from the exact same position - the only difference is the position of the light source!
