Wizzley

Fabulous Solar-Powered Garden Lighting

by KathleenDuffy

Enjoy the natural beauty of your garden by day whilst your solar batteries are charging up. Then, by night, see the same space transformed into an illuminated wonderland.

Solar lighting has transformed garden spaces, no matter how small.

A tiny balcony can be brought to life as night falls with strings of fairy lights, a path can be safely lit after dark with a row of solar-powered spot lights. Even trees can be dressed with a warm glow. This lighting goes well with warm summer evenings, friendly company and glasses of wine.

There is also the added sense of security that solar garden lighting provides. Intruders are less likely to enter into a garden which is lit, no matter how subtle the lighting might be.

Advantages of Solar-Powered Garden Lighting

Solar-powered lighting takes advantage of sunlight, just like the plants in your garden.  The batteries store up the solar energy during the day and once the sun sets, the stored energy becomes the lighting for your garden.  Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can be beautiful too.

A gently-lit garden at night is not only a thing of beauty. An illuminated outdoor space is less likely to attract intruders. 

Solar Lights for Beauty and Security

Solar lighting that follows the line of your garden path makes exploring your garden at dusk a much safer option.  

But it also repels anyone who might be looking to enter your property.  Of course, thieves will always find a way into a desirable property, but if this kind of lighting is part of your security package, it will certainly act as a deterrent.

Where I live we have lights similar to the ones on the right in our communal garden.  They are very subtle and glow beautifully.  At the same time however, they illuminate a large part of the garden and when I have to get up in the night to make a cup of tea it is quite reassuring to look out onto the garden and see these lights.

Safety At Night In The Garden

Not only security, but our own safety in the garden at night is helped by solar lighting.

If you have steps down into the garden from, say, a patio area then it helps if this area is well lit. And if you have guests in the garden in the summer, enjoying a drink and a stroll around, then ensuring their safety is paramount - especially if red wine is involved....

Think Carefully About The Type of Lights And Where They Are Placed

The type of lighting shown on the left is useful because it is mid-height.  It not only lights the path, but also casts a glow onto the steps which are at a higher level.  

It's therefore a good idea to bear in mind what obstacles will be present when you choose your lighting.  Remember where you will be walking and if the area changes suddenly.  Choose lights to enhance your journey round your garden at night.

Before choosing your lights, it might be a good idea to walk around the garden area  making a plan of the type of lighting you will need, taking into account height, visibility and aesthetics.

These light up the path but also the steps which enhances safety in the garden at night
Coach Style Solar Lights
Coach Style Solar Lights

The elegant light below is even taller than the previous models.  It will obviously cast a greater light and also adds an air of authority to the garden area.  

This is serious lighting for a garden area that is large enough to handle it!  

Old-Style Street Lamp
Old-Style Street Lamp

How Do Solar-Powered Garden Lights Work?

Well, I don't really want to go into the technical aspects of how solar-powered lights work as there are plenty of places on the internet to find out this sort of technical stuff.  Here for instance!

I'm much more interested in showing you how much fun you can have with solar lighting in the garden.  

We've done the sensible, health and safety bit - not to mention security.  So now, let's explore the madness, silliness, sheer beauty and over-the-top phenomena that are solar lights in the garden!

....from the United Kingdom

Elegant Designs from 'Not On The High Street'
Solar Party Bauble Lights
Solar Party Bauble ...
String Of 20 Chinese Solar Lanterns
String Of 20 Chines...
Solar Orchid String Lights
Solar Orchid String...

Novelty Garden Solar Lighting

The Kiddies Will Love Them

If you have children - or if you are just a big kid - check out these novelty garden solar lights. They are just a bit of fun and for those of you who are gnome experts, this type of lighting will really be appreciated!

Some people are terrible snobs about this sort of thing - but as a British citizen I am rather fond of gnomes.  So let's keep up the tradition, and if gnomes are not your bag, then how about solar-lighting for turtles, frogs and birds?

and here's some Gnomes!

Who knows where gnomes came from originally?  They play a large part in garden folklore here in the United Kingdom.  People get very protective about their gnomes.  So what could be more appropriate than a solar-powered gnome?  

Why should this traditional, original garden 'little person' be left in the dark whilst modern usurpers claim the spotlight?

Solar Lighting For the Garden

Create a magical night time space
Solar Crystal Ball Light
Solar Crystal Ball Light

With solar-powered lighting in your garden,  the space that might have been ignored at night becomes an extension of your home.  

  • Party guests can drift out onto the lawn from the house.  
  • You can have a solitary moment sitting at dusk as the solar lights begin to gleam.  
  • As you glance from the window at night you feel reassured that your garden is softly glowing.

Let's end our solar-powered sojourn with some gorgeous items that are not only practical but aesthetically pleasing too.

Updated: 03/01/2014, KathleenDuffy
 
Thank you! Would you like to post a comment now?
6

Comments

Only logged-in users are allowed to comment. Login
KathleenDuffy on 04/09/2014

ologsinquito - thanks for looking at my article and the pinning! :)

ologsinquito on 04/09/2014

This is the time of year people start to think about outdoor light. The examples you've shown are really nice. I'm pinning this to our Wizzley writing board.

KathleenDuffy on 03/26/2014

Hello Sheri - I'm so glad you found the article useful! Thanks for your comment. :)

Sheri_Oz on 03/26/2014

These are gorgeous. As I am just planning my garden now, I will certainly look for solar lights.

KathleenDuffy on 03/09/2014

Hello Dustytoes - Yes, they do seem to have a magical presence about them! And yes, it is amazing, I agree!

dustytoes on 03/08/2014

I have solar lights that I put in the flower gardens for summer. I love to look out at night and see them. They work quite well even if they don't get that much sun during the day. It's amazing.

KathleenDuffy on 03/04/2014

Hello Mira and VioletteRose - Thanks for reading my article and the feedback! :)

VioletteRose on 03/04/2014

So pretty :)

Mira on 03/02/2014

I really like the solar crystal light ball myself. And I agree, solar lights can be pretty useful. Nice article! :)

KathleenDuffy on 03/01/2014

Hi there ologsinguito - Thanks for that lovely comment! I only have a little balcony, but I am going to get myself some of these solar lights as they are so cheerful - even in Winter!

You might also like

Gorgeous Decorative Window Films - Transform Your Windows Inst...

Does your room with a view look out onto a blank wall? Can the neighbours wat...

Tiffany & Vintage-Style Ceiling Uplighters - No Electrics, Eas...

Uplighter shades lend a soft, diffused light to your living space. Stunning v...

Disclosure: This page generates income for authors based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google and others.
Loading ...
Error!