With advances in solar cells and the widespread use of LED lights, options for solar accents in the garden abound. Whether you are looking for a single solar light or artistic solar garden decor, solutions are both easy to find and economical.

A trademark of many gardens and patios is the solar lantern staked into the ground. While one of the first solar lighting products on the market, lanterns still remain popular and are available in an incredible variety of styles and materials. Many sets now come with a single and movable solar panel, which allow for lanterns placed in shadowy areas to still burn brightly at night.

Low voltage string lights are a natural evolution of solar power in the backyard. The solar panel can be placed in an area of maximum sun exposure, and the entire string will sparkle evenly long after sunset. Styles run from simple white holiday lights to large and colorful Chinese lanterns.

Adjustable solar landscape lighting allows for the illumination of trees, walls and garden artifacts. Without the need for a power source, placement of solar landscape lighting is easy and flexible, even at the edges of a property or driveway.

Solar fountains bring the welcome sound of running water into the yard, minus the worries about wasting electricity. Placing a fountain near a bedroom window creates a peaceful background for sleep, and there is no need to turn the power off. Many times these garden decorations also double as bird baths.

Solar garden decorations have allowed designers to give new life to their creations. A garden fairy once hidden by darkness now has her face brought to light by the glowing orb in her hands. Another flash of light turns out to be a small lantern carried by a gnome. These touches give the night garden a life of its own.

For the backyard connoisseur who must have it all, a solar patio umbrella provides both an attractive and practical solution. During the day solar cells gather energy as the umbrella provides shade; during the night LED lights on the underside of the umbrella provide light for meals and socializing. The system can be turned off at any time and the solar cells will continue to gather energy.

Taking a little time to solar-up the garden provides many seasons of enjoyment. One can indulge in light, motion and sound without concern for inflating the utility bill.

Tags: garden, technology