Solar-Powered Lights

• One of the easiest types of landscaping lighting to install are solar-powered lights. They do not require any wiring whatsoever. Each unit contains a photo-electric cell that collects sunlight, converts it to electricity and recharges one or two batteries inside the unit. Each device also contains an electric eye that turns on one or more LEDs (lighted electric diodes) at dusk. On many types, the batteries are powerful enough to keep the fixture glowing all night.
  
  The beauty of these lights is that they are 100 percent portable. If you want to rearrange or reconfigure your lighting scheme, simply move them to a different location. It's that easy. Models include post lights, cap lights you could attach to the top of a deck post, garden lights, mini-floodlights and even solar-powered house number lights.
  
  

Floodlights

• Adding floodlights to your landscape plan is another option. Some models are mounted on stakes and can be easily moved if you desire. Instead of being hardwired, they are plugged into an outdoor outlet or an extension cord run from one. If you need temporary lighting in a particular area they can be a great solution. The units have standard Edison sockets and can accommodate both clear or colored floodlight bulbs. To illuminate a patio, gazebo or pergola you could install box mounted hardwired floodlights. Many of these units are also available with electric-eye switches and/or motion detectors.
  
  

Post Lights

• To flank a driveway or set along a winding garden path, one or more hardwired post lights could really dress up your homestead. Units are available in a wide variety of styles ranging from ultramodern to the classic acorn globes that recreate the look of streetlamps used in the early 1900s. For stability, the units need to be set in concrete. Some are equipped with a pole-mounted electrical outlet, an electric-eye switch or both. You might want to add a switch for the unit inside your home as well.
  
  

Gas Lights

• If you live in a classic Victorian-style home, you may wish to carry that look into your outdoor living spaces too. Old-style gas lights might make a terrific addition to your yard. Models are available that burn either natural gas or propane. If they have one drawback, it is that they generate significant amounts of heat. But the nostalgic appearance they would add to your property might be worth it.