"Down Lighting" in this context is about mounting a lamp with a lens and reflector above the planting area to provide top-down illumination. The reflectors come in different shapes and sizes to match the light distribution to the shape of the planter. The proximity of the light source and the use of an opaque reflector minimises both the power requirements (5 Watts in this example) and the unwanted, upward, light pollution.

The picture opposite shows a centre-mounted, telescopic post with a narrow-angled reflector. The nearest corner is completely dark, the farthest corner is brilliantly lit. These small adjustments are very useful when arranging an intricate "light picture", for example when using an overhead downlighter in conjunction with coloured plinth lighting.

In the picture below the downlight post has been lowered to avoid lighting the sides of the planter. The plants are brightly lit with a warm daylight white but coloured light on the panels or from the plinth will not be diluted - the plants will be the natural focus and the planter can be a moody background.

Adding a little smoke makes it easier to see the beams... The reflector here has been angled to spill on one side of the planter, leaving the other side in shadow.

Downlight emitters are usually supplied at 10 Watts, but 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 20 and 30 Watts are also available with a choice of warm or cool white and the usual colours, plus the new "Royal Blue" LEDs designed to enhance plant growth.

You can see more examples of our lit planters, view some of our custom lighting panels or read technical specifications using the buttons below.