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Winter Lights

It is not very often that I see snow in my mid-south garden. If we get any type of winter weather it is usually in the form of ice. But every year I am hopeful that I will see my garden blanketed in white at least once.

I am completely enchanted by the idea of a snowy garden at night illuminated with hundreds of tiny white lights. Because winter weather is so rare, timing the task of stringing the lights with a snow fall can be tricky.

Usually the day before snowy weather is predicted I will run around the garden frantically stringing white lights around my trees and shrubs. One year the task stretched well into the evening. A few unfortunate friends and I shivered in the cold with flashlights as we wrapped the last string of lights around a crabapple. Imagine my disappointment when the storm blew by just north of me. When I woke up the next morning there wasn't a snowflake in sight.

To avoid further let downs and to keep what friends I have left, I've decided to drop my fixation on the snow part of my vision and just go for the lights. So this weekend I am converting my fountain garden into a sparkling winter wonderland with the help of 5,950 feet of LED string lights.

I'm using all white lights, which makes the display less about Christmas and more about celebrating the winter season. This means that I can leave them up well into February, increasing my chances of enjoying the sight of a snow covered garden. As the old saying goes, hope springs eternal.

If you are planning on transforming your garden into a winter wonderland with outdoor lighting here are some tips you might find helpful.

• Double check that your outdoor electrical outlets are functional.
• If using existing lights, make sure they work before you start to string them. Carefully inspect the cords and discard any that have worn spots on the insulation.
• Measure the trees and shrubs to determine how many lights you will need. Keep in mind that the length of the string depends not only on the light count, but the size of the lights. A string of 25 miniature lights is going to be significantly shorter than a string of 25 larger bulbs.
• To indicated size companies label larger bulbs with a "C7" or "C9", with C9 being the larger of the two. Those old fashioned bulbous Christmas lights are usually C7 or C9 in size. These are typically what you would use to decorate the exterior of your home. Miniature lights are commonly used for a Christmas tree. Outdoor versions of these are a nice choice for trees and shrubs.
• Check out LED lights. They stay cool, which is better for your plants. You will also save up to 90% on electricity and if one bulb burns out, the rest stay lit.
• Net lights are ideal for shrubs. They come in 4' x 6' sections that easily drape over shrubs.
• Be safe. Lights and extension cords should be designed for outdoor use.
• Use a timer. This will reduce the amount of electricity you use and you won't have to worry about turning them on and off.
• Get help. This task can be completed much more quickly and efficiently with the help of a friend or family member. Make a party out of it or swap favors and help them light their garden as well.