Solar lights
shine on New Ulm backyard

Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M) retiree Terry Blume of New Ulm stands near one of her backyard solar gardens that features a do-it-yourself solar light chandelier.
After retiring as a Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M) production worker, Terry Blume became interested in creating crafty, do-it-yourself outdoor designs including solar lights around her New Ulm residence.
She said she found solar light design ideas online.
The front and back of her home is lit by dozens of solar lights.
“I like to refurbish things. For instance, I bought a floor lamp, painted it black and put solar lights in it,” she said.
“I took a table lamp and added solar lights to it. I’ve taken bowls, put them upside down on a base and put solar lights in them. I went to thrift stores and garage sales and picked up things that don’t cost much and made many things with them,” said Blume.

Terry Blume created solar light displays with artificial flowers in shoes and dragon fly solar lights. Below, more butterfly solar lights.
Old chandeliers are another item she enjoys working with.
“I’ve painted them up and put them in a backyard tree and flower bed with solar lights. I’ve also put solar lights in candle holders. It doesn’t cost much and I’ve enjoyed doing it,” she added.
Blume bought an old, glass urinal and filled it with flowers and solar lights. She’s also put solar lights in and around bird feeders.
Blume said the solar lights, some of which are motion-sensitive, have some value in repelling pests and critters from her flowers and vegetables. Blume said organic soil conditioner is also an important part of her flower and vegetable growing.
Other solar light benefits include added security especially for paths and walkways, extends yard enjoyment hours and they can be used to showcase features like ponds and patios.

solar lights to chandeliers she bought at rummage sales and thrift stores.
Spotlight solar lights are designed to cast all their light in a single area, much like a spotlight in a theater.
Path or walkway solar lights disperse light evenly in a circle around a fixture, rather than in a single spot.
Other DIY solar light projects for home and garden can be made from Mason jars, using old bottles to create a bottle trees with solar lights on strings, turning pumpkins into Jack-o-Lanterns, clay pot lighthouse lights, fairy lanterns with a Mason jar, fitted handle and solar lid, repurposed accent lights with glass rocks, a solar path light and wide-mouth glassware, solar lights in milk jugs and planters.
Solar lamps are easier to install and maintain than conventional lights. They can benefit owners with lower maintenance and electrical costs and can be used in areas where there is no electrical grid.
Solar energy use produce only small amounts of heat and reduces indoor pollution, where kerosene has been linked to health issues.

Terry Blume said she added solar lights to chandeliers she bought at rummage sales and thrift stores.
Many gardeners use outdoor solar lights to help keep pests including bugs, away from their plants. Because they provide a source of light at night, solar lights are said to help plants, including trees, grow faster and produce more fruit or flowers.
Plants that benefit most from solar garden lights are tomatoes, peppers and strawberries.
- Terry Blume created solar light displays with artificial flowers in shoes and dragon fly solar lights. Below, more butterfly solar lights.
- Terry Blume said she added solar lights to chandeliers she bought at rummage sales and thrift stores.
- Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M) retiree Terry Blume of New Ulm stands near one of her backyard solar gardens that features a do-it-yourself solar light chandelier.
- solar lights to chandeliers she bought at rummage sales and thrift stores.