Patio & Garden Lighting Ideas

With global warming becoming a series issue, there are now more people trying to do their parts for the environment. One of the most easy way is by using more energy efficient furnishing items. This not only helps to reduce the burden on our natural resources but they can reduce your electricity bill as well. If that sounds attractive to you, then maybe it is time for you to think about how to go about transforming your home into an energy efficient one. If you have little ideas on how to do that, here are some tips that will get you on your way.

One of the first thing you should do is to replace your current lighting with solar powered ones. In the past, solar lights are only practical for outdoor purposes but due to advances in technology, solar indoor lighting is now possible. How this technology works is fairly simple. The solar panels on the roof of your home will first absorb the solar energy and then store them in a special energy container which is used to power your indoor lighting. There is also an electrical backup in case there is insufficient solar energy stored in the container. In this way, you can be assured that you will have lights even when there is no direct sunlight for a long period of time.

Another way to be more energy efficient is to use cellular shades as your window coverings. These type of shades have the most powerful insulation ability among all window treatments. This is due to the layers of air that have been trapped within its numerous tiny cells that comprise the window shades. It is this layer of air that can help to moderate the temperature of the house and reduce the need for air conditioning or heater.

The above tips are not the only ways to have a more energy efficient home. If you explore further, you will find more things that you can do which you have never thought of.

Low voltage deck lighting is a specialty item that can change your deck from just an ordinary pile of lumber into a magical space where you want to spend every possible moment. Instead of heading indoors, or turning on big, glaring bulbs that look like spotlights in the dark, you can install soft, glowing low voltage lights that create a cozy atmosphere that will keep you in your chair long after the sun goes down.

Post caps are the most common type of deck lighting. Exactly as the name implies, they sit on top of the 4 x 4 posts that are commonly used in deck railing sections. You can buy these in a variety of materials: powder coated aluminum, PVC vinyl, brass and cooper.  They typically cast a soft glow, rather than a bright light.

If you have steps to another level, they can be lit in a variety of ways. Recessed lights can be installed flush with the step itself, or set into the riser above each step. Plastic is the most common material for recessed step lights, but you’ll also find them in brass, copper and aluminum. Recessed lights are a bit more complicated to install because you must cut holes in either the steps or the risers, fit the light fixtures into the holes, and then work on the backside to do the wiring. But the end result is well worth the extra effort.

Another, more expensive option is illuminated decorative risers. These need to be installed while the stairs are being built, but the end result is a one of a kind set of steps that will be the talk of the town. The riser boards have decorative cutouts, covered by a light diffuser panel. The light bulbs are mounted behind the riser board so that all you see from the front is the shape or design that was cut from the wood.

For more general area lighting, there are surface mount lights that can be installed either at eye level for general illumination or near the deck to create a softer, glowing ambiance.

As with other types of low voltage lighting, there are kits designed specially for decks that include all of the lights and wiring you’ll need, plus the proper transformer. Or you can put together the individual components to create a custom lighting scheme. Low voltage lighting is simple to install, so there is no reason to abandon your deck just because the sun goes down.

Although not everyone can afford them, most people would prefer to have gardens surrounding their homes. They love to decorate their gardens with a variety of plants and ornaments. However, as the years have passed, there had been a lot of improvements in the knowledge of how to put together a beautifully landscaped garden and many people now have that knowledge. What are the main differences between the gardens in earlier times and the gardens nowadays? How would a solar garden light affect the overall atmosphere of a garden? And, could you change the atmosphere of your yard by using solar yard lighting?

In earlier times, gardens were usually ornamented with different kinds of flowers, trees and shrubs as well. Some were even planted with vegetables of different kinds. Ornaments were as simple as placing some hanging plants, colored stones and pebbles. Some plants were being trimmed and shaped in various ways to add to the style.

On the other hand, gardens nowadays are more advanced. Various forms of decorations are now being used to further beautify the gardens. Aside from trimming some plants and putting some stones and pebbles, garden lights are also placed in gardens. A number of people have already started using solar garden lights for a number of reasons. First, they do not have to worry about having to pay for huge electric bills as these lights do not require electricity. They get their power directly from the sun. Another thing is that these lights are a lot easier to install and place in the garden. They do not require the use of extensions when you want to place them in farther areas. Also, you could sleep and leave these lights on because they have automatic sensors that turn off the lights at dawn.

Decorating gardens have never been this easy and fun until some wonderful improvements came into view. Solar powered garden lighting definitely set the trend in decorating and beautifying gardens in this technologically advanced generation. And, by using solar yard lighting you are giving yourself that extra bit of security which is essentially these days.

If you are interested in being energy conscious then you may want to look into switching to T5 lights. T5s are a style of fluorescent light bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are known to lasts longer and to require less energy for operation. This makes them less taxing on energy supplies and also helps consumers save money, which in today’s economy is very welcome. T5 bulbs are considered compact and are suited for indoor and outdoor use. Smaller T5 lighting is commonly used in homes, while larger sizes are commonly found in institutional or commercial spaces such as hospitals, schools, and malls.

T5 lights came about in Europe and finally hit America by the mid-1990s. With the advent of going green and more people becoming aware of the environment and how we can improve its current condition, T5 technology and other fluorescent lights became very popular. T5 light fixtures are used to house the T5 bulbs and help towards the goal of conserving energy as well. The average life span of a fluorescent lamp can be as much as 20 times greater than that of an incandescent light. Additionally fluorescents give off less heat than traditional light bulbs and this helps in reducing energy costs too.

Another reason that many people like fluorescent lighting is it has been described as being the closest thing to sunlight. This makes less of a glare and a better overall lighting effect for plants and gardens. In fact some styles of fluorescent lights have been used to treat people who have seasonal affect disorder, where they become depressed from lack of sunlight.

In keeping with the spirit of using T5 light bulbs for going green, it is important to make sure that proper recycling of the fluorescent bulbs is done. Every part of a fluorescent T5 light bulb can be recycled, from the glass tubing to the brass and the aluminum at the ends to the mercury that is contained in the bulb itself. Not only does recycling save the environment and money but it also helps to keep mercury from being emitted into the environment.

Water is a precious resource, and in drier climates where your garden may need more watering, its important to take steps towards becoming a water wise homeowner and gardener.

Follow these guidelines to create the most water-efficient garden possible.
1. Consider the soil
Most landscape plants establish faster when planted in native soils without the addition of amendments. If your soil is sandy or rocky, you may need to add compost. Annuals, thirstier perennials, lawns, and vegetables benefit from the addition of compost.
2. Choose the right plants
Consider natives or introductions from other Mediterranean climates that have similar rainfall and soil conditions.
3. Group plants
Site plants with similar water, soil, and light needs together (in areas often referred to as “zones”). Place the most colorful (often the thirstiest) groupings near outdoor living areas.
4. Irrigate efficiently
Use drip irrigation or low-flow spray heads to deliver water directly to the root zone without the overspray or runoff typical of conventional sprinklers.
5. Water deeply
Irrigate established plants thoroughly but infrequently to encourage roots to grow downward; they will be buffered from the wet-dry cycle typical of the upper soil area and may even tap into groundwater.
6. Mulch
Cover bare ground with a 3-inch layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cooler; renew annually. Organic types, such as bark mulch, improve soil structure and encourage beneficial microbes.

Creating and decorating a patio is the perfect way to personalize your outdoor living space and provide an ideal spot for relaxation, outdoor family dining time and entertaining guests.  Designing a patio and garden space involves a bit of planning but if you put some thought into it at the beginning, you’ll be that much more pleased with the results.

Consider Your Budget
Any decorating project can get expensive, so you need to plan your budget first and be aware of how you can spend your money.  If you need to first build a deck or lay stone for you patio, then that will probably be the bulk of your expense.  You can always convert a patch of grass into a living space also, so if you’re budget won’t allow for a building project, be sure to consider how you can eliminate some things.

Consider Your Options
You are probably well aware of the plethora of decorating options, whether it be design formats or actual products you will place in or on your patio.  With literally millions of options to choose from, you’ll want to take your time to plan out what kind of look and feel you want to create, and you want to enlist the help of a designer, architect, or landscape professional to assist you with the best short design for your needs.

Consider the Lighting
Lighting is one of the most under-utilized options in a patio setting.  Most people don’t realize the necessity of outdoor lighting, but since it is an outdoor “living space” there needs to be light to create the comfort and sense of atmosphere you’re trying to achieve.  Again, you have nearly infinite options when it comes to lighting.  Check out our photo gallery to get some inspiration for your patio.

Consider the Environment
A vast array of environmentally conscious products exist that will help conserve water and electricity.  Take a moment to look at a few example of the solar lights available for your patio and consider the benefit of using these off-the-grid devices.  They pay for themselves over time since they do not draw energy from your house.