As the use of LED lights and solar cells continues to grow, so also does the opportunity for solar decorations in the yard. From solar-powered water fountains to solar-powered gnomes, there are creations for every age, taste, and time of day.
A trademark of many gardens and patios is the solar lantern staked into the ground. While one of the first solar lighting products on the market, lanterns still remain popular and are available in an incredible variety of styles and materials. Many sets now come with a single and movable solar panel, which allow for lanterns placed in shadowy areas to still burn brightly at night.
Outdoor string lights have long been a favorite for holidays and parties. Solar-powered string lights allow for constant use without a switch or a plug. Some strings are designed to accommodate pre-made or original Chinese lanterns; others take the form of a rope light.
For landscape lighting of plants, trees and garden decor, directional solar lights can provide a convenient solution. Freedom from an outlet allows placement of a landscape light anywhere the sun can reach, with potential for lighting on all corners of a property.
Solar fountains bring the welcome sound of running water into the yard, minus the worries about wasting electricity. Placing a fountain near a bedroom window creates a peaceful background for sleep, and there is no need to turn the power off. Many times these garden decorations also double as bird baths.
Many are re-discovering garden decorations brought to life by the use of solar power. For example, kissing fairies once hidden after sunset now have their snowy faces illumined by the light of a glowing orb. Likewise, a trio of gnomes hold lit lanterns high to see the trail ahead. The whole yard can indeed be a wonder at night.
For the backyard connoisseur who must have it all, a solar patio umbrella provides both an attractive and practical solution. During the day solar cells gather energy as the umbrella provides shade; during the night LED lights on the underside of the umbrella provide light for meals and socializing. The system can be turned off at any time and the solar cells will continue to gather energy.
As a final step, check for the best solar landscape lights on a consumer site to help find the leading brands on the market. Adding motion, sound and lighting to the yard without the guilt of wasting energy provides a special satisfaction. In addition to bringing enjoyment, it can also be surprisingly easy and economical.
Robert Mann has been writing consumer articles for over a decade. In partnership with his wife, he has developed websites for finding printable coupons and best products in major consumer categories.. Free reprint available from: 6 Ways to Solar-up Your Garden.
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November 24 2011 | Landscaping | No Comments »
With our modern, demanding lives, it is all too easy to treat your home like a hotel. Many individuals spend less than five waking hours a day in their home and, unfortunately, it often shows too. Many people’s homes have reverted to ‘cold’ houses where you store your stuff, do your laundry and sleep. In other words they are deficient in warmth and personality.
However, warmth and personality can easily be restored or crafted in a home by spending some time in it and putting some of your self into your milieu. One of the easiest ways of doing this is by the use of candles and beautiful candle holders. Candles will add plenty of warmth and personality to your home and make you choose to spend more time there.
The bedroom is a good place to start. Whether you want your bedroom to be a place of romance or of sanctuary, candles will help. A candelabrum on a table top always looks good, but so will small tea lights on the dresser. Small floating candles in the shape of water lilies or other flowers look fantastic in a bowl of water too.
Most people only squeeze in a shower or two a day, but it is very soothing to soak in a bath of hot water. You can make your soak in the bath even more tranquil and atmospheric by combining tall and short candles such as pillar, votive and tea light candles stood on tiling around the room.
You can use candles in the kitchen for various reasons. Aromatic candles will hide the odour of foods like cabbage and other foodstuffs. Night candles will keep the room a-glow if you need to pop in and out for snacks or drinks during the night, saving switching the electric light on and off a dozen times a day. A burning candle will also get rid of cigarette smoke if you tend to smoke while reading the paper or chatting to neighbours around the kitchen table too.
The living room is the ideal room for burning candles. There are so many types of candles and they are all suitable for use in the living room. Wall sconces can be a beautiful way of burning candles in your hall and living room. In fact, candles do not even have to be lit to lend an atmosphere to your living room. Aromatic candles are perfect for moulding the ambiance to what you want.
You could use a candelabrum on a table or candlesticks on a fireplace or large tubular candles in the hearth. Smaller vase or jar candles will go anywhere to create the ambiance you desire.
In the dining room or at least at the dining table, candles are indispensable whether you want to generate a romantic atmosphere or not. The only no-no here is aromatic candles as you do not want to interfere with the smells of the meal. Long tapering white or red odourless candles in either candlesticks or a candelabrum are best.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article writes on a number of topics, but is at present involved with researching decorative candle holders. If you would like to know more or check out great offers, please go to our website at Wrought Iron Light.
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June 01 2011 | Gardening | No Comments »