Why do we put lights on Christmas trees?

December is here! It’s our favourite time of the year here at the Garden Lighting Shop! Snow on the ground, logs in the fire, and best of all – Christmas lights everywhere! Whether you’ve put yours up yet or not, the Christmas tree is probably the most quintessential aspects of the festive season.

Each year we all cut down a tree, (or grab it from the loft), and decorate it with lights, tinsel and decorations - but have you ever thought about how this tradition started?

Well people actually started lighting Christmas trees in the middle of the 17th century. Candles were attached to the end of tree branches with wax or pins and were adhered to the tree to represent shining stars. This tradition started in Germany and spread to Eastern Europe over the next two centuries. As you can imagine this was a serious fire hazard, so most people wouldn’t put their trees up until Christmas Eve, ensuring that they would only be up for a brief period of time while the tree was still fresh and less flammable.

The custom of putting strings of lights on trees began in 1882. Edward Johnson – an associate of Thomas Edison – wired red, white and blue bulbs together and placed them on an evergreen tree. In 1895, President Grover Cleveland followed suit and decorated a Christmas tree in the White House with stringed lights! The public took notice, and the tradition has been ever since.

Not surprisingly, it used to be extremely expensive to have a lit Christmas tree. Electricians would have sold bulbs for this purpose, but they would have needed to be wired together by a professional electrician, so only very affluent people would have had a lit tree.

These days’ festive holiday lights use LED (light-emitting diode) technology. These lights are far more efficient than incandescent lights and have a much longer life-span!

The Christmas tree: It’s long been a symbol of the holiday season. If you’re looking to decorate a tree outdoors this year, our beautiful festoons are a fantastic option. You really can enhance your festivities with our range, which are not only beautiful, but are safe to use and excellent value too! Take a look for yourself here. 

5 jobs to get done in the garden this autumn!

We hate to admit it, but the summer days are well and trying coming to a close. As we wave goodbye to the long evenings lounging in the garden, we must turn our attention to preparing and tending to our gardens for the cooler months.

So what can you do to keep your garden looking kempt this autumn? Here are our 5 essential garden jobs you should get done this autumn...

1 – Cut those hedges!

We recommend pruning your hedges for the last time in autumn to prevent decaying if damp should accumulate. Only cut deciduous hedges back as far as you can without creating any holes, as these will not grow back over the winter months, which will leave the hedge looking bare.

2 – Prep those Lawns!

During the winter the wet weather, low temperatures and feeble sunshine all affect your lawn – which is why they need some TLC before the cold spell begins! When the autumn leaves start to fall, they should be cleared from the lawn regularly so not to deprive your lawn of light. We recommend that you mow your lawn for the last time around the beginning of November, and be sure not to cut in shorter than 5cm, as longer grass can make better use of less sunlight.

3 - Protect those plants

Plants that are sensitive to frost, including beds and roses, should be covered with twigs, branches and leaves - or wrapped in bubble wrap. We recommend bringing any pot plants indoors or place them in a sheltered position to protect.

4 - Frost damage prevention

So that frozen water cannot cause any damage, it’s a good idea to switch off any water connections, empty taps and watering devices you have for the colder months. If you have any water features, dismantle any pumps and, if necessary, install an anti-ice pump.

5 - Lights

We could write a whole blog without mentioning garden lighting, could we? Now is the time to make your garden glow with beautiful outdoor lighting. Our range of garden lighting includes floodlights, security lighting, wall lights, garden lanterns as well as festoon lights and decking solutions! Having worked in commercial outdoor lighting for over 40 years, manufacturing and supplying exterior lighting and street furniture to councils, architects & designers, we really know the ins and outs of garden lighting!

We’re passionate about garden lights and landscape lighting and are more than happy to offer you some of the best inside tips and suggestions from our previous projects.

If you want to add a glow to your garden this autumn give us a call - 01773 541 003

Why we love our Festoon Lighting...

Here at the Garden Lighting shop we provide the most stunning beautiful festoon & outdoor party lights that are perfect for so many occasions and events...

Built to our own high specification, our quality lighting harnesses are designed to offer practical, discrete and truly magical lighting schemes! They have been used for:

• Outdoor functions and parties
• Decorative lighting solutions for alfresco dining
• Marquee and tent lighting
• Display and sign lighting
• Wedding lighting
• On film sets

We can offer bespoke manufacturing to suit any specific application you may have, as well as offering both black and white rubber extendable festoon strings!

Absolutely perfect for weddings and parties, and ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations, our versatile range is guaranteed to transform any space into a picturesque wonderland. From decorative party lighting to commercial sign lighting, our lights come in a variety of lengths and styles and offer a quick and economical lighting solution! 

They can be used for both domestic and commercial applications such as the illumination of wedding marquees, commercial buildings, garden gazebos, window displays and large Christmas trees... the possibilities are endless!

Equally they make great outdoor party lights you home use and can be installed as a permanent lighting solution!

What’s more is our extensive range of lamps are available in a range of styles including retro, incandescent and shatterproof LED lamps!

Here at the Garden Lighting Shop we are passionate about all things garden lighting! We know that our Festoon Lighting solutions are great, otherwise we wouldn’t sell them! If you require help or assistance, or just want to know more about our Festoon Lighting products, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to help. 

Exciting new products at The Garden Lighting Shop!

Today’s blog is dedicated to some exciting new products we have for you! As you know, we are forever adding new products to our stock, keeping you right up to date with all the latest in the world of garden lighting... So what do we have for you today...

We have introduced two state of the art Solar Powered LED PIR operated floodlights to our existing security lighting range!

The Mightylite Solar Powered LED Floodlight is the perfect fitting to be used in areas where a mains power supply is unavailable ore unstable. These lights are absolutely ideal for lighting pathways, trails, driveways, perimeter security and many other locations!

Both models are equipped with an Intelligent Light Control Battery Management System maintaining the battery efficiency!

Available in both 8w and 28w versions they both offer the perfect solution where mains power supply or unstable. Ideal for lighting pathways, trails driveways, perimeter and many other locations. They are also -

Weatherproof

The fitting and solar panel are completely weatherproof and offer a IP 65 protection rating

PIR Sensored

The PIR sensor will detect movement up to 10m away! A passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors.

Digital Charge Controller

This ensures maximum charge to the battery without over-charging

Fully Certified

This fitting is fully certified with UL, CE, RoHS and LVD approvals, ERP compliant & European Approvals!

• Product Specification
• Wattage: 28W
• Lumens: 2300
• Colour Temperature: 5400K
• Operating Temperature: -30˚C- + 60˚C
• Lithium Battery: 2AH Internal Battery
• Running Time: Dusk til Dawn
• Voltage: 4.2V
• Min. Light: 150 Lumens
• Med. Light: 300 Lumens
• Max. Light: 2300 Lumens
• Solar Panel: 10W
• Solar Module Efficiency: 17.1%
• Solar Max. Voltage: 6.12V Mpp (Maximum Power Point)

Take a closer look at these wonderful lights here, or give us a call on - 01773 541 003 –if you want any more info!

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Things you didn’t know about LED’s

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are the biggest thing to hit lighting since the electric light was invented! The best thing about them is, undoubtedly, the fact that they use up to 85% less energy than conventional bulbs.

Today’s LED bulbs can be six-seven times more energy efficient than conventional incandescent lights and cut energy use by more than 80 percent. Unlike incandescent bulbs - which release 90 percent of their energy as heat - LEDs use energy far more efficiently with little wasted heat. LED technology allows for pure, simple and beautiful design while remaining energy efficient.

An LED is a type of solid-state lighting that uses a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. Good-quality LED bulbs can have a useful life of 25,000 hours or more - meaning they can last more than 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs! That is a life of more than three years if run constantly 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

LEDs are used in a wide range of applications because of their unique characteristics, which include compact size, ease of maintenance, resistance to breakage, and the ability to focus the light in a single direction instead of having it go every which way.

In short, LED lights are very long-lasting and cost effective to run. They work particularly well as recessed lights in paving and decking, or for highlighting steps and changes in level around the garden. If you’re keen to learn more about LED lights for your garden, then just give The Garden Lighting Shop a call on 01773 541003. 

We would love to give you some professional advice from a real person! You can also have a look at our LED light ranges here.

Lighting solutions for small gardens

If you want to enjoy your garden after dark, lighting is the obvious answer! However it can be difficult to get the balance of light and shade right, especially in a smaller outdoor space. Here are some of our top tips for lighting a smaller garden...

Shatter Resistant 10w LED Compact Miniature Floodlight

LED lights are long-lasting and cost effective to run. They work really well as recessed lights in paving and decking, highlighting steps and changes in level on or around the house and terrace.

Used in moderation, they work well to highlight pots and planters. The probably won’t provide enough light to dine out or entertain by, but used in combination with other lights in the garden they can work really well.

LED Garden Spotlights

Plants tend to soak up light in a small garden, and it’s surprising how much it takes to highlight a plant or tree effectively! It’s important to highlight plants properly. Uplights, like these Garden Spotlights, are the best for highlighting plants. These are perfect suitable for the illumination flower beds, shrubs and plants effectively in a smaller garden.

Extendable Rubber Festoon Harness

String lights are perfect for mapping out an area or for decorating in a small garden, and can be used to great effect. The smaller your garden is the less bright, harsh lighting you will need. The effect you should try to achieve when lighting your small garden is not one of a harsh glare of light over the entire scheme, but one where points of interest are highlighted.

From pretty hanging lights to coloured LED lighting, we have it all at The Garden Lighting Shop and we are proud of our selection. We know how to make your small garden glow like it deserves to! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us for some advice.

Top garden lighting tips

We’re taking it back to basics with this month’s blog! Here are some of our top garden lighting tips to get you started with making your garden glow.

Bump up the romance

Our stunning festoon and hanging lighting can really bring your garden to life. It can create a romantic and peaceful ambiance and is rarely expensive to install. 

Layer your Light

To make your yard look as beautiful at night as it does during the day, landscape lighting is essential. Here at the Garden Lighting shop we'll show you how to combine ambient lighting with task lights for a beautiful look and security and safety. We can also give you advice on how to incorporate accent lighting such as spotlights, strip lights, leds, festoon lighting and water-feature lighting.

Light up your resources

Add some drama by spotlighting a tree or other garden focal point. Spotlights can really accentuate plants and tree trunks and can create a pleasing glow on other garden foliage in the evening.

Guide the Way

It’s a great idea to use garden lighting to lead guests to your home to your front door. A trail of lights set along the pathway can give a magical look. We recommend that you avoid placing the lights all in a straight line as this can create a bit of a runway effect. Remember t combine safety with attractiveness for all entry lighting - guide visitors to the front door with welcoming lights that sufficiently illuminate any stairs or other potential hazards.

I can’t find your house?

Use lighting to ensure that your house number or name is well lit at night time for both safety and practicality. It will be easy to find after dark by both visiting guests and emergency services.

Solar

Decorative solar-powered landscape lights require no wiring, making them super easy and safe to use and install. Simply place them in a sunny spot, and when the sun goes in, they will start to shine. We have a huge range here at the Garden Lighting shop and will of course advice you on selecting yours.

From pretty hanging lights to coloured LED lighting, we have it all at The Garden Lighting Shop and we are proud of our selection. We only sell brand new, high quality products direct from the manufacturer and all products offered on our website can be purchased directly from the site or by phoning us or if you wish you can send your orders by email, fax or letter. 

We know how to make your glow like it deserves to, so if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us for some advice. We are more than happy to help with all of your lighting needs! 

4 simple ways to improve the look of your Garden

As we wave a relieved goodbye to winter and an eager hello to spring our attention starts to turn to outdoors and namely, to our gardens. Gardens? We bet you haven’t been in yours for a while, right? It’s a well known fact that in the winter months are gardens can become a distant memory, and can start to fade along with our sun-kissed skin.

So now is the time to get your garden back in shape and ready for the spring and summer months. Here are our top tips to improve the look of your garden with minimal effort!

Clear your pathways, decks and patios

The desolate winter months really can have a bad effect on your pathways and seating areas, leaving them looking tired and miserable. If you spend just one afternoon sweeping and cleaning up any dead leaves and rubbish, you will soon have your garden looking alive again. Check over your decking or patio areas if you have them and sweep up any debris.

Get weeding!

Let’s face it, we ALL hate weeding. It’s time consuming, tiring and boring! It’s no one’s favourite job, favourite job, but putting in a little elbow grease on Sunday afternoon really can make the world of a difference in your garden. 

Clean, scrub and polish!

Have good clean. Rake over gravelled areas and pick up any bits of gravel that have found their way on to lawns and borders. Give your patio furniture a good scrub down and check over and clean barbeques and grills so they are ready for use. Check your fences, trellises and pergolas. These spend much of the year concealed behind climbing plants and foliage so it’s a good idea to check that they are in good order and make any necessary repairs or replacements!

Sort out your LIGHTING!

Last and (we think) most importantly of all – sort out your garden lighting! The right lighting in garden really can transform it form dull to delightful. From pretty hanging lights to coloured LED lighting, we have it all at The Garden Lighting Shop and we are proud of our selection. We know how to make your glow like it deserves to, so if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us for some advice. We are MORE than happy to help with all of your lighting needs! 

Lighting your garden couldn't be easier.

Our most recent product to hit the store is our Easy Connect lighting system.  If you have ever wanted a relay of lights ranging from spots to standing lanterns then this is the product for you.

The Easy Connect circuit can light up your whole garden from just one power source. You won’t need multiple adapters from your house electrics which risk getting wet.

It begins with the first cable being plugged into a mains connection. From there you’ll attach either a T-bar, Y-bar or X-bar connector and from that your first light, maybe it’ll be a tower pedestal lamp at the beginning of your pathway. From the spare slot from the first connector you’ll attach another extension cable, then connector and another light.

These products are safe, quick and simple to install and operate utilizing a quality range of double insulated light fittings. This means they are safe to use in any weather. There is no risk of shock even when touching the fittings whilst they are plugged in.

Due to the connecting nature of these lights they can span up to far distances. If you have to light a large area perhaps landscape gardens then Easy Connect can cover up to 300meters with no need for a transformer.

To have full control over your circuit of lights, simply connect a control unit at the beginning. The lights can then be turned on and off with ease and can also be dimmed with a remote.

A selection of lights is available to be connected to the system from spots to lanterns to tall lamps. This can be further customised by the use of coloured bulbs to create a unique colour setting.

You can purchase the EasyConnect lighting and accessories here or read more information on the product on our website.  If you would like to find out more about outdoor lighting, contact us on 01773 541 003.

Light up your summer garden with festoon lights

All thoughts turn to the outdoors at this time of year, as the weather improves and we can begin to daydream of sitting outside smelling the remnants of that delicious summer barbecue, with a glass of wine or bottle of beer in hand. But as the long and mild evenings draw closer, how do you plan to add that extra sparkle to those summer nights of respite?

Living and dining al fresco is one of the more pleasurable benefits of the summer, but what if you didn’t have to enjoy such magical moments during just one season of the year? Nothing signals summer evenings outdoors like ambient lighting while entertaining friends or family at those garden gatherings. Dim lights create a romantic, warm feel without attracting hundreds of flies!

With our unpredictable British weather it does prove difficult to find a functional and portable solution for such occasions. Although, why just opt for lighting in the summer months, and not all year round - something to make your garden glisten all year long.

Creating your own seasonal space doesn’t have to involve costly renovations or the re-thinking of your entire living environment, by purchasing the right outdoor lighting you can create the perfect ambience and settings with just a small investment.

Wedding and event planners have used outdoor festoon lighting so beautifully for years and now thanks to more affordable options provided by the Garden Lighting Shop you too can recreate that gorgeous elegance in your very own back garden.

As a quick and effective solution to your entertainment lighting, festoon lighting also has many diverse and varied applications offering the perfect solution when creating atmosphere at summer parties, weddings, garden displays or even just lighting up walkways and dining areas.

Why not cordon off a small corner of your garden to create a new and exciting environment to find respite and put your feet up or even spice up the space rerated by your decking?

With the addition of the right festoon lights you can turn an area of your garden into a brand new venue for relaxation and entertainment, after all , why have a garden if you can’t enjoy it during the day or at night?