Hardscapes: Utilities

Question 1

What are the benefits of lighting in landscape design?

Answer 1

1. Lighting provides safety & security.
2. Transport structures (ex. walkways) need good lighting for safety.
3. Strategic lighting can highlight features and add to the artistic value of the site.

Question 2

What should you consider when installing lights?

Answer 2

1. Bright lights require line voltage systems, which are typically installed by a trained electrician.
2. Solar lights are an inexpensive alternative, but may not provide light the entire night depending on battery charge.

Question 3

What is spot lighting?

Answer 3

Lights pointed upward, toward a feature.

Question 4

What is shadowing?

Answer 4

Shining a light at an open to capture the silhouette of objects.

Question 5

What is back lighting?

Answer 5

Low lights against a wall, behind plants.

Question 6

What is path lighting?

Answer 6

Low, downward-facing lights for accessibility on transport structures (ex. walkways).

Question 7

What is downlighting?

Answer 7

Lights in trees, pointed downward.

Question 8

What are the two types of water drainage, and two examples of each?

Answer 8

1. Surface drainage, ex. Trench Drain, Swale
2. Subsurface drainage, ex. French Drain, Dry Well

Question 9

What are the qualities of a trench drain?

Answer 9

A trench drain is a type of surface drain. It is a canal cut into the landscape, either open, gravel-filled, or topped with a grate. Trench drains are used to move water away from an area.

Question 10

What are the qualities of a french drain?

Answer 10

A french drain is a subsurface drain which leads to an underground, perforated pipe. It is used to direct water away from structures.

Question 11

What are the qualities of swales/bioswales?

Answer 11

A swale (or bioswale) is a type of surface drain, a broad, shallow ditch that uses native plants which can handle extremes of wet and dry.

Question 12

What is the difference between a bioswale and a rain garden?

Answer 12

Rain gardens and swales are nearly identical; the difference being that swales tend to manage water from natural surfaces while rain gardens manage water from artificial surfaces.

Question 13

What are the qualities of a dry well?

Answer 13

A dry well is a kind of subsurface drain with plants planted on top. Water is channeled into the well via spouts and pumps.