4
2. ENCHANTING
EVENINGS
The magical look of
solar string lights.
During the day their
metallic shades
shimmer and play off
a small solar panel, the
15-foot string of 10 lanterns
automatically lights up once
the sun sets. After a full
day’s charge, light glimmers
through the intricately
punched designs to create
the perfect ambience.
Marrakesh Metallic
String—Allsop;
allsopgarden.com; $
3. SHED SOME LIGHT
Want to light up your she
shed without having to
call an electrician? Bring
in this system powered
by a 6-watt solar panel
that connects to a central
control box. Complete
with a USB charging
station and an MP3/
FM radio for additional
entertainment, it comes
with three hanging lights
designed for maximum
illumination controlled
with wall-mount switches.
Perfect for lighting seating
areas, work spaces,
play structures, and the
perimeter of your home,
the BioLite can also be
tapped during a power
outage. BioLite SolarHome
620—BioLite; bioliteenergy
.com; $
4. NATURE INSPIRED
To lend an au naturel glow
to an outdoor gathering,
top tables and line paths
with these pillar-shape
accents that feature
laser-cut leaf designs. The
internal LED bulb is battery-
operated but powered by a
solar panel, which makes it
long-lasting and energy-
effi cient. Weather-resistant,
these accessories will bring
sparkle to any alfresco
get-together. Allen + Roth
7.5984-in Leaf Design
Light—Lowe’s; lowes.com;
$12 each
3
MAKING THE MOST OF
SOLAR LIGHTS OUTDOORS
No plugs, no outlets—solar lights are simple to use outside
as long as they have a sunny power source. Follow these tips
and maintenance recommendations to keep your solar lights
aglow for hours at a time.
PLACEMENT: For the maximum amount of sun exposure,
place or face the panel(s) to the south or west. On average, a
solar light is fully charged from eight hours of direct sunlight
and will run for about 15 hours. An area with partial sun can
still fuel solar lights; they just won’t run throughout the night.
Avoid placing solar lights near house lights or streetlights.
This impacts their ability to detect low-light settings.
Consider low-profi le solar light options that can be
installed fl ush with stairs or on a path to reduce tripping
hazards. Some lights can be installed discreetly on a stair’s
riser or in the ground beside a walkway to light up high-
t r a f fi c a r e a s.
CARE: Check the panels every couple of weeks to see if
they need to be cleaned, especially those placed in garden
beds or near plants. Dirty panels will limit the amount of
power the lights receive, reducing or eliminating their
illumination capabilities.
Read the manufacturer’s guidelines for climate and
temperature recommendations. Most solar lights should be
stored indoors during winter in cold climates because
snow can cover the panels and minimize the lights’ power
source. Cold temperatures can also affect the batteries’
longevity. Replace old batteries with the same type that were
originally installed.
Day &
night
decor
CAST A
SPELL WITH
metallic
LIGHTS
13
COUNTRY GARDENS // FA LL 2019
2
PHOTOS BY
(LEAF DESIGN LIGHT)
BRIE PASSANO,
(BIOLITE SOLARHOME 620)
BLAINE MOATS.
