SUN-POWERED Create a festive mood outdoors with Soji Solar Lanterns. These nylon orbs collect sunlight during the day and glow for six to eight hours at night. No cords are necessary, so hanging them is a breeze; internal steel supports also allow for tabletop use. The lanterns come in five colors and can be folded for easy storage. Find them at gardenbasket.com.

TRIGGER-HAPPY Hand fatigue is now a thing of the past when it comes to misting and feeding plants. Cepia, LLC, has introduced the PowerSprayer, a motorized bottle that works without the constant finger-pull repetition of typical sprayers. Powered by a battery, the automatic trigger is activated by the flip of a switch. The 48-ounce multipurpose bottle can be purchased at Ace Hardware stores or online at cepiallc.com.

SHADY SITUATION Market umbrellas long have been used for protection from the sun’s heat and glare. The Portofino Auto-Tilt Umbrella from Tropitone does just that and more, adding a stylish touch to alfresco spaces. Available in hundreds of outdoor fabrics and various finishes, the hexagon-shaped aluminum umbrella (pictured in Canvas Teal) also comes in an oval canopy. Customize your own umbrella at Today’s Pool & Patio, (800) 457-0305, or log on to todayspatio.com.

GARDEN TIP
Whenever you plant something, create a basin in the dirt around the plant’s drip line. Then when you water, it will go straight to the roots. - 365 Tips For Your Southwest Garden (Cool Springs Press)