With the beautiful weather we have been having, I hope you are all spending lots of time out of doors!  How wonderful it is to spend time on the deck, porch, or in the back yard watching day turn into night.  But don’t let the lightening bugs be the only outdoor lighting you have – as nice as they might be!

• Lining a walkway is not only a necessity for safety reasons, but can also provide a warm welcome to guests - or the opportunity to view the garden in the evening light.

• Use a spotlight to highlight a focal point in the garden, such as a fountain or a beautiful tree.

• Focus a spotlight (not too bright) on a statue, special plant, or any other object that will cast a wonderful shadow.  The shadow then becomes the focal point.

• If you are lucky enough to have a water element of any kind in your yard, position a light to catch the reflection of the water.  This will create even more light.

• Twinkling Christmas tree lights in white add a fairy tale glow to the backyard.

• For backyard gatherings, nothing beats candlelight.  Line the front walkway with votives in paper bags.  Then place floating candles in the birdbath, as well as other water-filled containers (buckets work nicely) to light the garden or patio area.

• If your yard is small, use a few well-placed lights to make it appear larger.

• And don’t forget the house!  If there is a special feature you would like to highlight, you can do so with focused lighting.

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Volume XLI