YARD LIGHTS

Hanging strings of lights in the yard for summer had become a chore, so we came up with something to make it easier to manage. First we shopped for poles (perhaps wrought iron) with hooks on top, but couldn't find any tall enough. Because the bamboo poles in the raspberry garden have weathered well for 4 years, we chose bamboo for our project. After all, people build houses with this stuff!

 

WHAT YOU NEED:

 

1. 8 foot bamboo poles - number to be determined by project

2. PVC pipe - 3" diameter - enough for about 12 inches per pole

3. Strong string and long screws or stakes

4. "S" hooks - one per bamboo pole

5. Bubble wrap (small bubbles)

6. Gorilla glue

7. Drill

8. Large permanent marker

9. Quick setting concrete

10. Shovel, scissors, buckets, water, stir stick, ladder

11. Outdoor lights (any kind)

12. Extension cord

13. Hacksaw

 

LAYOUT AND PLAN:

 

The first step was to determine where to put the poles - in order to do that we had to decide where the lights would plug in. We used a heavy duty outdoor extension cord from an exterior plug, attaching it under the eaves until we reached a good starting point. This will be a different process for everyone, so we're not putting instructions for this step.

 

We marked the "lines" where the lights would hang, and paced them off into equal sections. We needed 6 poles. We marked the spots for the poles with empty gardening containers plugged into the ground with skewers. Make sure to allow for sprinkler system lines, water lines, and underground electrical lines!

 



 

GET STARTED:

 

I didn't do this until the poles were in place (I forgot about it). Much easier to do first. Drill a hole about 3/4 of an inch from the top of the bamboo pole. (Which end is the top? The narrowest end!)  Fill the hole with Gorilla glue until you're sure it's almost running down the inside of the pole. Insert "S" hook. Lay aside to dry. Yes, mine is messy.

 

 

Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and 10 inches in diameter at each marked spot. When you dig, first remove a layer of sod from the top and set aside (keep wet). Put the dirt into a container to use later.

 

 

Hold PVC pipe in center of hole, marking the cut line with a marker level with the ground.

 

 

Cut with saw, then place pieces in centers of holes.

 

 

 

Cut 3 inch wide strips of bubble wrap (mine were about 18 inches long). Wrap bottom ends of bamboo poles with strips of bubble wrap. Why? Because you want the bamboo to fit tightly, you'll want to be able to remove the bamboo when you choose, and you want to use something that won't deteriorate. Push the wrapped end of the bamboo pole all the way into the PVC pipe. What's nice about bubble wrap is the bubbles will pop if you've used too much! 

 

 

Now the fun part! Making sure your poles are straight! With string (I used jute) and long screws (use stakes if your area is sandy; my grass is pretty thick so the long screws worked well). Begin by tying the end of the string (don't cut it off the roll) to the pole. Unroll 12 inches or so, wrap the end of the length around the screw/stake, then insert at an angle so the string is taut. Don't cut the string! Try to keep the bamboo pole as straight as possible (by adjusting the PVC pipe), but don't worry about it too much at this point.

 

 

Next, unroll the string back to the pole and wrap around the pole pulling the string to the opposite side. Do the same thing with the screw/stake, pulling the opposite direction.

 

 

Go back to the center, wrapping the string around the pole, and going the other two directions. Finish off by returning the string to the center and tying a secure knot, then cutting the string. Check the pole to make sure it's straight - make adjustments by pulling out the screw/stake and pulling the string taut in appropriate directions until the pole is straight.

 

 

Now you're ready to pour concrete! Mix your concrete according to package directions and gently pour from either side into the hole, leaving a few inches at the top to replace the grass you dug up earlier. Adjust strings and screws/stakes again at this time to make sure PVC pipe is where it should be to hold the bamboo straight. Let concrete set a little, then mold with trowel or hands into a mound around the PVC pipe.

 

 

Let concrete dry. You may remove the strings and screws/stakes at this time.

Shovel dirt into the hole until almost full. Press down by walking on it.  Replace sod and water well.  (Gus the dachshund is making certain the watering is done correctly!)

 

 

 

 

FINISHING TOUCHES

 

After you're sure the concrete is set and the Gorilla glue is dry on the "S" hooks, you may hang your lights. Plug into your source of electricity BEFORE hanging so you don't have to make adjustments later. You may turn the poles so hooks are either in the backs or the fronts - whichever you prefer. We turned ours toward the back sides.

 

 

We have cute fishes my mom, daughter, and granddaughter made together a few years ago. They attach to miniature lights. The directions are in Country Woman magazine here ... http://www.countrywomanmagazine.com/project/diy-fish-string-lights/    

 

 

Bamboo poles are hollow - just right for decorating for special occasions with flowers, streamers, or even Tiki torches (just make sure there are no trees close by!)

 

 

 

Hope this helps you make your yard beautiful, fun, and festive this summer without spending a lot of money!  We just finished the project this afternoon and we LOVE the results.