Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Landscaping with solar lighting


Tired of those lousy solar lights sold at big box retailers? Dancing Lights in downtown Glen Ellyn offers interesting alternatives. The light featured in the photo above is of higher quality, providing durability and more light. The only drawback is that the light is a bit blue. A more yellowish light would be more pleasing and have less impact on sensitive insects. Still, the solar panels do not fade, and the light is just bright enough to be functional for lighting a garden path. It is certainly a better alternative than the hard-wired lights in a number of landscaping applications. The cost is higher, but Carol Swetka, owner of Dancing Lights, assures me that I will get years of good use out of it. It looks better too!

Summer Fun







It's not too late for some warm summer and autumn "green" fun!

August 15 (Sunday) - Boating on Lake Ellyn, http://www.gepark.org/new_events.htm

August 19 (Thursday evening) - Sidewalk Astronomy on Naperville's Riverwalk, http://www.stargazing.net/naa/index.shtml

August 21 (Saturday) - Glacial Ridge Forest Preserve restoration work day (e-mail me for details)

August 28 & 29 (Saturday & Sunday) - Glen Ellyn Arts Fest, http://www.glenellynlions.org/

September 18 & 19 (Saturday & Sunday) - Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock, http://www.vintageillinois.com/

September 25 (Saturday) - Cantigny Green Fair, http://www.cantigny.org/visit/green_fair.aspx

October 2 (Saturday) - Illinois Solar Energy Tour, http://tour.illinoissolar.org/

October 16 (Satuday) - Glen Ellyn Historic Homes Tour, http://www.glenellynpreservation.org/
Photo: Elmhurst's Green Fest, July 31