The garden you’ve worked so hard for is finally blooming and looking like a million bucks. But, only during the day. Sometimes you want to take a walk at night through the garden. It’s peaceful and serene. But dark.
Having accent lights can bring out the beauty of the garden, shine on prize plants, and keep you from stumbling in the dark.
Solar lights draw no power from the house and can be set up anywhere. Here are tips to find the right lights for your precious garden.
Price
Ah, the eternal question- “How much is it?” Some lights are sold separately while others are sold as sets of 4, 6 or more. There are lights for every budget. There is no need to worry if purchasing one kit or light at a time, most styles are available and have become standard.
If the chosen light has been discontinued, don’t fret. Choose something similar and continue. Mix and match similar or non-similar solar lights for a modern eclectic look.
Manufacturing Materials
Plastic, wood, copper, brass, stainless steel and more are available for solar garden lights. Take a slow, quiet walk through your garden with pictures from magazines or online. Hold them up against the plants and see which will look best for your garden décor.
Remember that although brass is pricey, it does age with a distinct green patina that never goes out of style and will never rust.
Amount of light needed
Bright lights are better for trees and shrubs while lower light levels work well for flowers. Flowers need the dark to grow and thrive. Walkways and driveways may need varying amounts of light depending on the availability from other sources.
A few pricey models have a light adjustment switch.
While most lights are only white, colored solar lights are available as well.
Wiring
Are they wired together to a single solar panel or does each light have its own? If there is a separate panel, will it detract from the look of the garden?
Will the shade of the trees or shrubs prevent it from charging during the day? Do I have to move them back and forth? With a group of lights wired to a single panel, shade over the lights will not be a concern. The only limit is the length of the wire and keeping it out of the way of the plants and the mower.
Mobility
Can it be moved when needed? Some can be detached from their ground stakes and used as hanging accent lamps- this increases versatility greatly. Even though these are priced higher, they have more uses than their stationary counterparts do do.
Once all the lights are in place, take that “midnight stroll.” Your garden will take on a nighttime beauty of its own, and you’ll be able to see where you’re going.
