Lighting is divided into a few different categories.  The Basic features are Pathlighting, Accenting, and Downlighting.   These features are all broadened, and merged together often.   Accenting can be done by downlighting, and pathlighting, both, but from a design point of view, lets think in terms of these three styles.  Pictured to the right is a great example of pathlighting.  Functionality demands lighting the path, so light is broadcast over the complete landscape bordering the path, highlighting the plantings.  It's as if the path is lit just 'incidently'.

Left is a nice example of 'uplighting' to create accents, with pathlighting providing function.  Notice how the shadows create added ambience.   Light cast directly on the stone foundation adds immensely.  The color in the flowers is brought out, as is the leaves of the trees.   Lighting provides a perpetual sunset type of beauty to the landscape.   At all costs one should avoid lighting the path with a row of lights, or the house with a row of lights.   Lighting allows you to blend beauty with function in a new and exciting way.