- Working Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Skill Level: Kid-friendly
This project combines the modern technology of LED string lights with old-fashioned container gardening to create romantic lighting. We used Irish moss, but other low-growing plants suited to your climate would work just as well. In addition to LED strings, other lights to consider include inexpensive light strings or commercial-grade light strings. Glass light-fixture globes offer the most translucent light; plastic or acrylic ones also set a dreamy mood.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- 1 1/4-inch hole saw bit and drill
- Outdoor extension cord
Materials
- 1 18- to 20-inch-diameter fiber glass, plastic, or resin bowl planter
- 2 Warm-white LED 50-light strings
- Duct tape
- 3 White glass or plastic globes: two 4-inch and one 6-inch
- 3 16-ounce white or clear plastic party cups
- Potting soil
- 5 4-inch pots of Irish moss
Instructions
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Drill a Hole In the Container
Use the drill and hole saw bit to drill a hole approximately 2 inches above ground level into the bowl planter. The hole should be large enough for the male end of a plug to fit through (typically around 1 inch wide). Also, make sure the planter has drainage holes in the bottom.
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String Lights Through Hole
Thread the male end of the light-string plug through the hole, toward the outside of the pot. Leave a 1- to 2-inch tail on the outside. Cover the hole with duct tape, securing the light string cord.
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Place Lights In Globes
Insert one-third of the light string into the large globe. Push a plastic cup into the globe, bottom first, to hold the lights in and keep potting soil out. Wrap duct tape around the base of the globe to secure both cup and light cord. The cup also helps anchor the globe in the soil. Repeat with the small globes.
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Place Globes in Planter
Carefully set the globes outside the planter while you fill the planter approximately two-thirds full with potting soil. Gently place the globes on the soil. Using your fingers, push soil into the cups and arrange the globes in place. Set the globe lights at different heights for interest.
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Plant Moss Around Globes
Plant the Irish moss around and between the globes. To fill small spaces, carefully cut the plants in half, making sure to retain plenty of roots in each section. Wash soil off all the globes as you water the plants. Attach an extension cord to the light-string plug and watch the planter glow.