Malibu lights at The Tropical Paradise

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Lighting a tropical paradise is a special joy. It looks like a million dollars and really doesn't cost that much. I've installed low-voltage Malibu Lights from Home Depot. The spot lights are 20 watts and the path lights are 11 watts. The trick to using these lights is to aim them up towards the plants and away from people. If they catch you in the eye, they can dazzle, and that is pretty unpleasant. I put in a few path lights but most of it is uplighting with spotlights. If you want to see where they do it the very best, go to the Phoenician resort in Scottsdale. I made a special trip there years ago just to see how they did their lighting. Remember that you are not lighting a football field here, you are trying to set a mood. On the other hand, be sure that there is enough light to allow people to walk safely and see where they're going. Experiment by using a flashlight, sticking it in the ground and standing back.

The beautiful cycad in the foreground is a Zamia furfuracea, commonly called a "Cardboard Palm". I got at a Lowe's here in Glendale, but they don't usually carry them. But it's always worth taking a look around! They are very common at any Home Depot in Los Angeles.

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