As a homeowner with a large backyard, I’ve always wanted to make the most of my outdoor space, especially during the evening hours. My wife and I recently decided to install some smart lighting to enhance our beautiful succulent garden, but we faced a few challenges along the way. Let me share our journey and some tips for anyone looking to do something similar!
The Challenge:
Our backyard is quite sizable, measuring about 44 ft x 25 ft in a U-shape. The succulent garden takes up most of the space, but after sundown, it becomes pitch black. We wanted to light it up with colorful Govee lights to enjoy the garden even after sunset. However, the garden is quite far from the nearest outdoor power outlet (~15 ft), and we didn’t want to use multiple extension cords or string lights that might damage the plants.
The Solution:
After some research, we came across the Govee Allure Ground Light, which seemed perfect for our needs. However, it wasn’t long enough to cover the entire garden. We discovered that these lights couldn’t be daisy-chained, which was a bit of a setback. But then, I stumbled upon a helpful tip in the Home Assistant community about using a single continuous strip of lights with a longer length. This inspired us to look for alternative solutions!
The Outcome:
We decided to use multiple shorter strips of Govee lights, strategically placed around the garden to cover all three sides. To keep things neat, we opted for wireless lights powered by rechargeable batteries. This way, we avoided the hassle of extension cords and ensured the garden remained visually appealing.
Tips for Others:
- Plan Your Layout: Measure your space carefully and decide where you want the lights to go. This helps in choosing the right type and length of lights.
- Consider Wireless Options: If your garden is far from power outlets, wireless lights with rechargeable batteries can be a great alternative.
- Use Smart Controls: Integrate your lights with Home Assistant or Google Home to control them remotely and set up schedules for automatic lighting.
- Community Resources: Don’t hesitate to reach out to forums like this one for advice and inspiration. There are plenty of helpful tips and solutions shared by other users!
We’re thrilled with how our backyard now looks in the evenings, and it’s all thanks to some creative problem-solving and the support of this amazing community. If anyone has questions or needs advice on similar projects, feel free to ask—I’d be happy to help! 
