The Power of Light

Light changes everything. This time of year we are incredibly sensitive to the lack of it, or at least I am. I find it hard to get out of bed to go to the gym when it’s pitch black outside. And at the end of the day when it’s dark at 5 PM, I simply want to curl up in a blanket with a roaring fire nearby.

Light affects plants significantly too. In the way humans receive energy from food, plants get energy from light through photosynthesis. Without light a plant can’t produce energy or grow. I remember doing a science fair project when I was younger. I used my Dad’s grow light in the basement and placed four identical plants underneath it, each covered with different colors of cellophane. The plant with clear cellophane did best, since it got the most light. The one with the dark green cellophane did the worst, since light the plant needed was limited. 

As a gardener, I notice light. Not just because I want to identify whether I’m dealing with shade, part-shade or sun, but also because light changes how the garden looks and acts. Over the last couple of years I have changed my garden significantly. I took out a boatload (okay, a dumpster full) of pachysandra and created new beds. I moved hydrangeas and hostas into a shady space and looked forward to having these plants adorn my woodland trail.

But the next year when the plants leafed out and flowered, they faced away from the woodland trail instead of toward it. Why? Because they were reaching towards the afternoon light. I’m now in the process of moving some shrubs to rectify the situation (hopefully) by drowning the area in more morning light. The lesson learned? When you are planning a garden, seriously study the light so you can anticipate which way the blooms will face. 

Plants facing away from the woodland trail instead of towards it.

Another way light changes the garden is by highlighting plants in different ways. Direct sunlight is usually the least attractive light as it tends to wash out colors. That’s why professional photographers often recommend taking pictures early in the morning or late in the afternoon when plants are backlit and the shadows are long. By taking advantage of the setting or rising sun, you can orchestrate your own light show of sorts and create a relaxing or even a romantic mood. Natural lighting can even be used to highlight a plant’s best features.

Long shadows change the mood of a space.

This Lindera looks aglow due to natural light. The backlit leaves look like ornaments hanging from the tree.

Take advantage of the opportunity to use lighting in all possible ways. Let light call you into the garden so you can observe every detail and enjoy your landscape even more.