Fixtures come in a wide array of types, sizes, and finishes. Each fixture takes a specific lamp type (incandescent, Par 36, or quartz-halogen). Each lamp (bulb), in turn, comes in a variety of wattages and beam spreads. Choosing the appropriate lamp for a specific effect is the first step in design. Choosing the fixture to house the lamp is secondary. Uplights can turn trees and specimen plants into focal points of your garden. Pathlights illuminate walkways and beautify the landscape, while enabling safe and comfortable movement on stairs, paths, and driveways. Spotlights, both uplights and downlights, can highlight sculptures, water, and architectural features. Backlighting and wall-washing floodlights produce beautiful silhouettes, shadows, and textures, creating mood and interest in the garden.

Transformers are required for 12-volt lighting systems to step-down 120-volt power. Selection is based on the total number of watts needed for a system, and for each zone of the system. Transformers come in wattages ranging from 100 to 1000 watts. As the garden changes and grows, allow for extra wattage on the transformer to grow with it, whether it be to add additional fixtures or increase the wattage of existing ones. Transformers are available in "raintite" weatherproof models that are plugged in directly, or in indoor models that are hard-wired.

Lighting Cable comes in several sizes or gauges. Twelve, ten, or eight gauge cable tends to be the most commonly used, depending on the length of wire run and the wattage load. Choosing the correct size of cable is necessary to avoid excessive voltage-drop, which leads to the dimming of lamps at the end of wire runs. Correctly sizing wire is a simple but essential step in designing a lighting system that can grow and change with your garden.