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20 Landscape and Irrigation June 2014 www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape Design and Construction intended illuminated surface and provides an extremely wide spread of light. Another option is to install a simple accent light with a wide-beam light source at an angle to the wall, thereby creating irregular light patterns and interesting shadow lines. Both the wall wash and accent light would require earth in front of the wall into which low-voltage cable would be buried; however, if the wall surrounds a concrete or stone floor surface, the lights will not work. A third option is wet-location LED tape. These systems typically require a unique power system and their wet-location connections can be large and problem- atic to hide, but they do emit an even, consistent line of light that can be appealing. A variety of colors are also available, which can add an ele- ment of excitement to the space. While it may be effective to simply line the slender hardscape units, it might not be visually interesting enough for the landscape design. Consider stagger- ing the lights, using an assortment of lengths, and positioning them at multiple elevations. Creative placement will add excite- ment and dimension to an outdoor stone assemblage. These units are also very effective under stone benches for an added level of visual intrigue. Finally, remember the wire. All of these lighting products must be connected to power via wiring, and the wiring should be as hidden as possible in order to maintain the beauty of the stone through daylight. If the hardscape is a retaining wall, the wire can easily pass through mortar joints to the earth behind the wall and appropriate connections are simple. Freestanding walls might be best served with a small cavity in the middle to accommodate wiring. Hollow stone can also serve as conve- nient wiring compartments, if the openings align. Once all of the wiring is complete and the cable is buried, remember to hide the transformer in a place that is easy to access, but difficult to see from the main outdoor activity. With added lighting, the beauty of the stone assemblies will be magnified through the night. Outdoor living spaces The stone hardscape areas are likely a part of the greater outdoor living space. They can be used to envelop a conversa- tion pit surrounding the outdoor fireplace or support an alfresco dining space. Sometimes, outdoor living is relegated to a multi- level deck or the simple patio of fifty years ago, refurbished to serve a new generation. Regardless of the venue, lighting can add personality and functionality here, too. As with the design of hardscape lighting, start with a review of the space and an understanding of how it will be used. Because of their popularity, an assortment of deck lighting has been engineered to ensure nighttime enjoyment of this Path and spread lighting is positioned in the flower bed area, thus allowing the light to illuminate the gardens and the stone wall and path.