For outdoor areas like gardens or decking can someone suggest a best option, brand or type please.
Devices created for office environments (hobby electronics) might struggle in the wild. Light sensors would need to be kept clean and in an area not effected by other lighting and shade.
Commercially available, low-voltage, outdoor lighting is quite robust and will last for years (I see light-strings in my neighborhood for at least five years). I see exposed parts succumbing to environmental damage (feet, bicycles, animals, rain, sun).
BUT... due to their low cost, making a test unit until it dies will give you the information you seek (can it survive? protective methods, power methods, location, rodents, curious people).