Light Fantastic

Grow a glowing container garden.

Fill the bottom of the larger planter with potting soil. Set the smaller planter on top of the soil. (Adjust the soil volume to level the planter rims.) Water the soil until the water trickles from the bottom of the planter. Add more soil if the smaller planter lowers.
Fill the space between the planters with soil, tamping lightly. Add enough soil so that the selections in the larger planter can be planted at the same depth as in their original pots.
Transplant the selections to the larger planter using a transplanter. Loosen the roots, and use pruning shears to snip off any that have conformed to the pot's shape. Gently separate large clumps into several smaller clumps. If necessary, cut clumps apart. Add soil around each clump within 1 inch of the top of the larger planter.
Clip any damaged or bent foliage with pruning shears. Water well after planting.
Place the tap light in the smaller planter, and gently press the light to turn it on. Protect the light from heavy rain by removing it (leave the planters in place) and storing it indoors.

Our illuminated garden project is a fast, easy way to add pizzazz to your deck or patio. Follow these tips for success.

For the most dramatic look, choose plants that follow an upright, rather than mounding or trailing, growth pattern.
Selections that spread by underground stems shouldn't be planted too tightly, as they will fill in quickly. If you choose slow-spreading plants, add more of them for a fuller presentation.
Containers are a good option for invasive plants, such as horsetail, that will overtake your garden if planted in the ground. If you disassemble the container project, destroy all parts of such plants or continue growing them in planters.