Andrea’s Garden Blog

Outdoor solar post lights add a bit of classical elegance to almost any landscape design.  While hanging string lights and flood lights are quite common, a home with post lights illuminating the front entryway makes a statement that distinguishes itself from the crowd.

Solar post lights come in a variety of unique and elegant designs.  If your home is a traditional architectural style like Victorian, Colonial, or Craftsman, there are many beautiful traditional fixtures to choose from.  On the other hand, if you prefer something sleek and modern, you can also find contemporary post lights to suit your tastes.

Early on, solar lighting did not provide as much illumination as electric lighting.  Since that time, solar panel and LED technology has advanced a great deal, and modern outdoor solar lighting is just… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, outdoors, solar lighting, solar posts

A light emitting diode, commonly known as an LED, is different from a typical light bulb.  LEDs are cool to the touch and can last for up to 100,000 hours, so they don’t have to be replaced nearly as often as typical filament light bulbs.  They are especially appropriate for use with solar powered lighting, because they use little energy, allowing the solar light to give off illumination for a longer amount of time per charge.  LEDs are available in a variety of colors, most commonly green, amber, and red (which is often used for displays on appliances and electronics).  The white LED lights that are typically used for lighting outdoor areas leans toward the blue, or “cool,” end of the visible light spectrum.

LED displays in outdoor lights often include… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: information, LED, solar light

If you have a garden pond or swimming pool on your property, then you already understand that nighttime lighting can create a magical ambiance.  Flood lights and spotlights can be useful in lighting your water features, but solar powered floating lights add whimsy and charm.  Solar floating lights are a simple and relatively inexpensive option for accenting your pond, pool, or fountain for events and special occasions.  This is true even if the ’special’ occasion is enjoying some peace and quiet in your outdoor space.

Solar floating lights typically feature built-in photo cells and solar panels, so that they will turn on automatically at sunset.  Weighing under a pound and measuring from 4 to 25 inches wide, they are small and lightweight enough that you can easily place them in direct… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, ponds, pools, solar lighting

With so many options for adding lighting to a deck or patio, it can be a challenge to choose the right option for your needs.  While choice is a good thing, the wealth of products available can sometimes be confusing.  Use these ideas to help you make the best choice.

First, figure out whether you want to buy and install permanent fixtures, or whether you prefer movable ones.  If you are a homeowner, you may want to invest in concrete-anchored pole lights, or a gazebo to hang solar string lights.  But, if you are renting a home or still aren’t quite sure what style of lighting you prefer, you can choose portable solar lighting that can be moved or changed later on.  Products from hanging solar lights to solar pole lights… Continue reading the rest of this article...

Tags: accents, decks, solar lighting