Keen gardeners and those who like to spend time outside may find that having illumination in their garden allows them to enjoy their exterior spaces well into the evenings.

Speaking to the Vancouver Sun, garden designer and landscaper Theron Horton said: "For me, garden lighting is the pinnacle of achievement in great garden design because it allows us to enjoy the garden even after the sun goes down and especially in winter when the lovely structure of trees and shrubs can look fantastic."

As well as the aesthetic benefit of illuminating the outside of their home, people may find that having some sort of exterior lighting is useful for security.

Mr Horton advised people to highlight areas of the garden such as paths, as well as interesting shrubs or trees, which can look good illuminated with a "beam of light".

Exterior flood lighting which comes on when movement is sensed could also be ideal.