Candlelight Magic: Low-Voltage and Solar Alternatives for Evening Gardens

No one regrets Edison's electricity, but for seductive atmosphere, candlepower beats kilowatts every time. In his Scottsdale backyard ramada, artist Jeff Zischke houses candles in antique carriage lamps and mason jars, supplemented by low-voltage lamps. "That flickering glow just draws people in like moths," he says. On a Palm Desert rooftop terrace, Elana Donovan relies solely on candlelight for dining under the stars. In Escondido, Greg Rubin creates a candlelit illusion by modifying solar lights to mimic torches.

Tabletop Ambience

A casual arrangement of candles in assorted glasses illuminates Donovan's rooftop table, with a Moroccan lantern leading the eye to distant mountains.

Solar Flair: DIY Candlelit Torches

Rubin unscrewed the lids of Intermatic Malibu solar lights (which contain the LED), discarded the bases, and set the lids on clear votive glasses atop decorative metal stakes (Pier 1 Imports). Tips for best effect: use amber LEDs, and place a piece of white paper under the glass to reflect light.

DESIGN: Greg Rubin, California's Own Native Landscape Design, Escondido, CA (760/746-6870)