From subtle string lights to bright spotlights, there’s a garden light to suit every budget and style. Use them to illuminate walkways, highlight your favorite plants, and create cozy spots for al fresco dining or relaxing with a good book.
Look for garden lights with a long battery life. That way, you won’t have to worry about running extension cords across the yard or having to remember to turn them on and off each day. A timer for your garden lighting is also helpful because it allows you to set a dusk-to-dawn schedule for illumination.
Consider a lighting design for your pond or water feature that highlights the beauty of the water and the plant life surrounding it at night. This is an especially effective way to enhance a tropical-looking backyard retreat or add drama to an urban rooftop terrace.
For a more low-key approach, try using candles in lanterns or putting tealights on tables or in the center of an outdoor seating area. They’re a great option for smaller gardens and can help add a cozy glow to outdoor dining or drinking areas.
Stake lights are another inexpensive and easy-to-install option for lighting a garden. BlackGirlsGardening’s founder recommends these solar-powered lights from Maggift that can be driven into the ground to enlighten garden paths at night. They’re on the dimmer side but work well for creating a soft glow along garden pathways. Other options include LED strip lights, which are installed flush with the ground for a clean and minimalist look and can be cut to size.