I’m enchanted with fireflies. Those little glowing bugs that flit around the garden at night. But I have never actually seen one in real life. I can only imagine what they would look like at dusk as you sit outside to enjoy the summer breeze.

Over the years I have tried to bring that glow to my garden. Little bits of lights here and there to give the backyard some evening sparkle. I want to share 5 easy ways that you can light up your garden as well.

5 Easy Ways to Light up your Garden…

Outdoor Light Strands

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Hanging light strands around your garden, shed or patio is an easy way to add glow. There are so many options available right now to choose from. Edison bulb light strands are pretty popular as well as seasonal strands with bulb covers. These are great for hanging from your porch awning or from tree to tree.

Another option is the light strands that you hang from your Christmas tree each year. These twinkle lights are great for wrapping around your deck railing, porch columns, and in tree branches. Each year I buy extra boxes of these light strands when they go on sale during the holidays so I have plenty to use.

Most strand lights will need access to electricity. But if you want to hang lights in an area without power, you can also find lots of solar light strand options as well. You just have to make sure that the solar collector panel is placed in the light, otherwise, your strands won’t stay lit up for long. One great solar option that can be used in the garden is rope lights. You can use these to designate pathways or line your patio.

Related: 6 Tips For Easy Summer Entertaining

Pathway Lights

Placing lights along your pathways makes it easy to enjoy an after-dark stroll or to see the perimeter of your flower beds and garden. Place pathway lights anywhere that you want to define your garden at night. These pathway lights can be electric or solar. If using solar, remember the panel will need some sunlight exposure in order to shine brightly. You can purchase these lights individually or as kits. There are very inexpensive plastic versions and more expensive metal options.

Choose a style that is fairly simple so that you will be able to match it in the coming years. A very detailed style might be difficult to match when you want to add more lights to your garden.

Hanging Lanterns (Solar, Battery, or Electric)

I love the look of lanterns. They bring a sense of outdoors and camping to your backyard. Lanterns are easy to hang and move around your garden. Unlike the light strands and pathway lights, you can set these up wherever you are relaxing in your garden at night. Just find a lantern that matches your garden style and place them in strategic areas when you are out enjoying your yard and garden.

Tiki Torches

Tiki torches have been around for many years. They are great when you are entertaining outdoors at night. Fill the traditional style with lighter fluid and light them when needed. You can still purchase this less expensive version. However, you can also purchase solar tiki torches which would take minimal effort to set up.

Place tiki torches in the ground or in a large flower pot. Here’s a helpful idea when you want torches in an area where you can’t place them in the ground such as a deck or patio. Place the torch in a large outdoor container and fill it in with rocks or sand. The container will need to be deep enough to add at least 8-10 inches of rocks. This will hold the torch in place without fear of it tipping over.

Candles

Candles are the perfect way to light up your outdoor table at night. Use candles along your deck railing, to light the stairs or even in a hanging birdcage. If you are using real candles then place them in a container such as a mason jar or a hurricane lantern to prevent the candle from being blown out by a summer breeze. Set battery-operated candles out in the open, on a tray, or in a decorative pot.

Battery-operated candles give you the opportunity to try lighting up an unusual container such as a terrarium, vintage jar, or even your favorite teacups. And you can use real plant materials such as flowers to set the display off since you don’t have to worry as much that it’s a fire hazard.

As you begin to set up your outdoor lights here are a few precautions to be aware of. Following these suggestions will help to reduce the risk of fire and damage to your home and garden.

Related: 10 Ways To Use Mason Jars That Will Make Your Garden Beautiful

Precautions with outdoor lighting…

1. Use only outdoor lights and fixtures which can withstand outdoor temperatures and moisture.
2. Don’t leave candles or torches unattended.
3. Watch out for cords that people can trip over or get tangled in.
4. Follow the package directions for how many strands can be plugged in together.
5. Be careful to not overdo it. Your backyard does not need to look like daylight. Too many night lights might annoy your sleeping neighbor.

Although I have never seen a firefly flitting around in my garden, I can still enjoy the magical glow of lights at night. Adding a few lights here and there can add a cozy factor to your backyard as well. You will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces not only during the day but at night when you add in some of these simple light features.