Smart Garden: How to automate your outdoor space

A garden should be a place of relaxation, not extra work. The solution: a “smart garden”. Here are our tips for an intelligent garden oasis that takes the work off your hands.

In the summer, the garden becomes an open-air living room designed to slow down everyday life. But just like indoors, there are chores to be done: the lawn needs mowing, and the plants need watering. In that respect, it’s good news that smart living is no longer confined to indoors. But how does a garden become smart?

Intelligent irrigation systems: suitable for any garden size

Even the daily watering of your plants can be simplified through smart technology. With automatic garden irrigation systems, you can watch from the patio as it takes care of your plants.

The right system depends on your garden: for a small garden, you may only need one smart controller and one or two connected lawn sprinklers. If your garden is larger and perhaps includes vegetable and salad beds, you'll need a system that is more tailored to your garden's needs. Cloudrain’s products can be expanded as needed, depending on the size of the garden. As with most things, the more complex the garden and irrigation system, the more expensive the set-up will be.

Outdoor switches: optimal lighting for the smart garden

The right lighting completes your smart garden, and Philips Hue offers one of many possible solutions. The brand's outdoor lighting range includes a variety of modular spots, floodlights, and wall lights. These can be controlled with or without a smartphone, to create the perfect ambience for your mood.

For use without a smartphone, there is the Friends of Hue Outdoor Switch from Senic and Gira. It requires no batteries or cables and can control up to 50 Philips Hue lights. Designed for outdoor use, the switch can withstand sunlight and rain splashes.

Gira weather station Plus for KNX: keeping an eye on the weather

The Gira weather station Plus for KNX can not only automate the irrigation but also a multitude of other processes in and around your Smart Home. For example, blinds can be lowered when the sun is blazing hot or at dusk to provide privacy and heat protection.

If a storm is approaching, connected shutters and awnings will automatically move to a safe position. For these and other intelligent decisions, the Gira weather station Plus records nine meteorological parameters and uses the data to control the connected KNX components to carry out the desired functions.

So, while you are relaxing in the hammock, you can monitor everything via the Gira HomeServer app on your mobile device and, if necessary, manually intervene.

Outdoor lighting: smart and energy-efficient

Electric barbecue, lighting, mowing robot station, music, security: there are many good reasons for outdoor sockets. In the dark, tripping hazards can quickly become dangerous, and the darkness can even play into the hands of uninvited guests. A smart lighting control system can help to minimize those dangers. The Gira motion detector Cube automatically switches on the outdoor light as soon as movement is detected. The Gira light and energy profile is a great solution if you want to combine your outdoor lighting with outdoor sockets. This way, you create an atmospheric ambience in the evening and supply your smart garden devices with power.

If you want to make your home more comfortable, smarter, and more modern beyond the patio door, the solutions and gadgets mentioned are a good start. For selecting the right Gira products, feel free to contact a qualified electrician in your area.
You’ll hardly recognize your garden afterwards and won’t believe how much time you suddenly have. So go ahead and pick out an exciting book for the summer.