So it’s dusk and you’re out in your garden surrounded by garden lights and sunflowers and rose bushes and your neighbor happens by. He asks you for a few tips about setting up his own garden lighting system. What do you tell him?
How about suggesting he give solar garden lights a try?
Even gardeners who have been around the block a few times tend to overlook solar-powered garden lights. But over the past decade or so, these lights have really come into their own. Their easy to maintain, even easier to install, and they function just as well – sometimes better – than their electrical counterparts.
So why not give them a try?
Cynics might argue that you aren’t actually saving a whole lot of electricity. After all, traditional garden lights use just twelve volts of electricity. But for a lot of people, starting small is a great way of exploring larger projects down the road. If conservation and green energy matter to you, starting with something simple like a few garden lights can be the perfect way to get your feet wet.
Solar garden lights have tiny solar panels that collect sunlight throughout the day. These panels convert that light into electricity which is stored in small batteries. When the sun sets, your garden lights will begin to draw on that power, casting their warm beams of light across your plants and bushes.
Some gardens worry that solar lights means you don’t have a broad range of choices. That was possibly the case a decade or so ago, but it’s long since ceased to be an issue for contemporary gardeners. As solar lighting and alternative energy has increased in popularity, the market has expanded considerably.
No matter what type of lighting you want, there’s a solar option available. Ground stake lighting? Check. Hanging lanterns? Got them. How about a spotlight to show off the dwarf apple tree? Yes, that’s out there, too.
In fact, there are even whimsical lights that function as garden accents – tiny lights in the shape of butterflies, for example. Spread a few of these around, too. There’s really no limitation on your ability to spice up your garden and exterior landscape.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you’re limiting yourself when you go solar. You aren’t! In fact, you’re opening a door to garden lighting that you’re going to feel good about!
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