There are four kinds of outside garden lighting on the market at present, which are solar, electric, gas, and non powered which includes candle lights. All have their own functions and practical benefits. Solar lights are probably the most popular because they are easy to maintain and there is no trouble in setting them up, it is just a case of placing them in position throughout your garden. They work off the power of the sun, and will come to life when the sun goes down and it starts getting dark. Eventually the stored energy will run out and the light will begin to get dimmer until it goes out completely. Solar lights will last a good few hours under their stored power, and different colors can add some really effective results and increase the ambience of your garden.

Electric lights are obviously powered by electricity and these are a more permanent set up. Most driveway lighting is electric as you need the light to guide you when it gets dark and not suddenly go out. Other uses can be motion sensor lights that come on when you trigger them by walking underneath. These lights serve a purpose throughout the year and are much more robust and reliable than the others. Electric lights can also be used to illuminate pathways and important parts of the garden.

The downside of electric lighting is that you will need cables to extend out to the light. With some clever positioning you can hide these cables under rocks and shrubs or other plants in your garden. A good solution is to get these on timers. so they come on at a set time. which you can adjust as the year goes on and the sun goes down earlier. With the cables you need to watch out when you are mowing the lawn or cutting anything, you don’t want to accidently cut through a power cable and electrocute yourself!

Gas lights are great for temporary solutions and are most used for garden parties or if you occasionally sit outside. Most of these lights involve filling up the cannister with gas and away you go. Because the fuel will run out they are not designed for permanent or frequent use, unless you enjoy filling them up all the time! Always be careful when you are lighting them with a naked flame, and be cautious where you place them. The flame can easily set fire to anything close, and in a garden there are many things that are flammable. Keep the light upright and make sure it is secure on a stable platform. Don’t rest it against something that might move or cause the light to topple over.

The final kinds of outdoor garden lighting are the non powered types such as candles and lanterns. These are very similar to the gas lights in that they are usually used infrequently for parties and when friends and guests come to visit. The same safety precautions should be followed because you will have a naked flame. Be very vigilant if it is windy because the flame can go out more easily, and also the lantern can be blown over. A good tip is to buy a support pole that the lantern can hook onto, this will make it far more secure. Try to avoid placing them in a tree, or a on a branch, this is asking for trouble.

Using any of these kinds of lights will ensure you have a very nice effect. They all have their strengths and weaknessses, but in the end they all perform the same fucnction. Outdoor garden lights are simple and effective, and if you use them the right way you can get many hours of happiness for little money.