We went with the Amazon Alexa system. There is a device in every room including the garden.
It started off just using it to stream music around the house/garden. Then we found it useful for shouting the kids down for their tea.
If used properly, it is very handy for any information. The wife uses it all the time to convert weights when cooking. She sets timers and alarms.
Reminders and shopping lists also appear on your phone.
I fitted Hive heating control not even realising Alexa could control it. I then upgraded the lights switches to Lightwave so i could control LED lights better.
I came across a Lightwave Hub, so decided to add that. That meant the Alexa could control the lights. It's great saying "Turn the Big light on"!
I already had a Harmony remote system for control my TV/AV gear, so added an Alexa skill to integrate that.
Lastly i added some smart cameras.
I thought that was it, and was quite happy. Then i had a few days off work and decided to see what else it could do.
I came across a feature called "Routines".
That was the game changer. I could now set timers and automations. My garden lights now have different timers and dusk til dawns functions. (for no extra cost)
On arriving home, i now just say "Alexa i'm home", and the house just comes alive. Lights turn on, the heating comes on, the TV turns on etc.
On leaving the house, i just say "Alexa i'm leaving", and all the lights turn off (including the kids bedroom lights that they always leave on), the heating turns off. Any devices like the TV also turn off.
It is actually saving me real money!