Solar Toys

It all started with a couple of solar tiki torches more than a year ago which I really liked.  Those proved to be totally reliable - running on a two NiMh batteries and flickering way into morning hours - I love that yellow flickering light. After a rare impulsive buy I ended up with a crystal ball led light which changes color.  A good conversation piece for a late night symposium.

Then I added Crystal Ball String Lights.  Though hard to setup these are cute. Surprisingly they run on a single NiMh battery.  Not bright but I do not mind.
Recently I added spotlights.   A separate solar panel houses 3 NiMh batteries.  What I like least about these spotlights are blue light color and short wires - maybe I should use CTO gel?.
My experience with small solar toys powered by NiMh batteries was so positive I decided to get a battery-backed solar pump for my future water feature.  The fountain is very compact but sufficiently tall and is totally self-contained.  We shall see!

New Plants - Bamboo Incognito

Bamboo is a must-have for any Japanese garden.  Here is what I like about it:

• Upright and takes little floor space
• Beautiful foliage
• Dynamic - responds to movement of air
• Hopefully easy to grow and maintain.

On the left is the original plant I found through this free offer page.  I need help identifying this species.  It's a runner for sure.  On the right are the cuttings from the above plant planted on my balcony.

Bamboo Privacy Screen/Trellis

I am inspired by Zen garden ideas about importance of boundaries.  So as the first step in remodeling the southern balcony in Japanese style I built a bamboo trellis which doubles as a privacy screen.  I hope it will also help to fight the scorching heat while retaining the light breeze.
So here are the steps I took for this (not so) little DIY project: