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OT: Exterior garden 'accent' lights

14 years ago

Does anyone know anything about exterior "accent" lights for the garden? Specifically those that are solar powered? I'm wondering if there's anything available that provides a decent output of light, but doesn't have a funky color (I've seen some that have a blue-ish hue, and others that just look something an alien mother ship might've tossed out the chute as they flew overhead).

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Comments (10)

threedgrad
14 years ago
I have 15 Westinghouse stainless steel solar lights. The light seems pretty white. Amazon also has a copper version of these. I also have spotlights with blue bulbs. I like the blue since it is subtle and sets a mood.
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squirrelheaven
14 years ago
There was a recent thread on this, AJ (actually I think it was spam that people were posting to). Maybe it's still around.
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squirrelheaven
14 years ago
Here's the thread, with some comments on solar lights.

Another thing about them is that some of the lights can get more sun exposure than others, so some can be dimmer than others. On overcast days, I've seen some dimly lit and others not lit at all. One of my neighbor's was sort of being covered/shaded by a growing shrub and would always be in a dimly lit stage in the group.

Here is a link that might be useful: Solar Light Thread
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teacats
14 years ago
Check out the selection at Big Lots -- there are lots of choices! My neighbour chose some very small single lights at Walmart -- about four dollars each -- nice at night!
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User
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Squirrel! Looks like a lot of folks don't like them, and I wondered about the brightness factor, especially since my yard is relatively well shaded. Eileen, do you find that yours put out a decent amount of light? I'm wondering if low voltage lighting would be the better option for me, and if so, is that something I'd need an electrician to install? (I'm clueless!)
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threedgrad
14 years ago
auntjen, they only work if you have strong sunlight like I do here in Phoenix. The lights that are in the shady areas don't light up at all or only for a short time, I am thinking of getting some electric ones for the front yard that plug in and use a dawn to dusk timer so I won't have to worry about turning them on and off.
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natal
14 years ago
Do you have an outdoor outlet? If so, the low voltage lights are fairly easy to install. It's just a matter of digging a shallow area to hide the wire. With that new bed you shouldn't have any problem.
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User
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Jan! I'm kinda thinking that solar won't work for me now, though. Natal, we do have an outlet - but it's up on the peak of the roof (I suppose it was meant for Christmas lights), and another on the front porch. Nothing in or near the bed, so I guess an electrician would probably be called for and I hesitate to get involved in something that's going to be $$. Still, it might be worth looking into, as I do think it would add quite a lot. I love the way a subtly-lit house/garden looks at night!
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natal
14 years ago
Where's the one on the porch? If it's on the end near the bed you could run the wire up the side and through that little portal.
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User
Original Author
14 years ago
Unfortunately, it's right under the windows, directly behind the wicker chairs - so a wire would have to be run around the porch, and over the front door, etc. I guess it could be done. Maybe. ;-)
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