Lotus Solar Garden Light

Most solar lights are apologetic little spikes that vanish into a border. This one is a sculpture first and a light second. The petals of the lotus are formed in a soft translucent shell that the LED lights from within, so after dark the whole flower glows rather than casting a beam — the effect is closer to a candle set among planting than to a security lamp.

It measures roughly 27 x 11cm, which is large enough to hold its own beside hostas, ferns or the edge of a pond, and it needs nothing but sunlight. The integrated panel charges the cell through the day and the light comes on by itself as dusk falls. There is no cable, no transformer and no fixing, so it can simply be set down where it looks best and moved whenever the planting changes.

Because it reads as an ornament as much as a lamp, it works just as well switched off, sitting pale against dark foliage. Place it where the panel sees direct sun for a good part of the day; deep shade will cut the evening run time short, and output drops naturally through the winter months. If you site it beside water, keep in mind that children should never be left unsupervised near a pond, pool or water feature, whatever the depth.

• Sculptural lotus-form solar garden light with integrated LED
• Approximately 27 x 11cm (10.6 x 4.5 inches)
• Solar panel charges by day; automatic dusk switch-on
• Cordless and weatherproof - no wiring, transformer or fixing required
• Free-standing: place on a border, path edge, rockery or pond surround
• Charge time and run time depend on direct sunlight; reduced in winter
• Never leave children unsupervised near ponds, pools or water features