Solar lighting

SALES of solar lights for use in the garden have gone stratospheric in the past 10 years. Since the early introductions of lights that barely stayed lit long enough to get through dusk into darkness, many of the newest ones stay lit until dawn.

The decorative range extends from single LEDs on strings that provide an attractive fairyland feel for the plants or under a parasol, to butterflies, flowers and other illuminated characters for a fun effect round the patio or across a shed.

On a more practical level, these lights work without the hassle of having wiring laid around the garden. There is little maintenance to do, although wiping the solar panel now and again helps it work more efficiently, and they are, to an extent, weather-proof.

This makes them ideal for more difficult outdoor areas, too, such as steps that are difficult to see