For centuries the Japanese have believed that lighting both in the garden and home has a direct effect on ones levels of stress. To some of us this may seem like an old wives tale, but the Japanese assure the rest of the world that they can prove a link to tranquillity and a calm body and mind through a relaxed atmosphere created with the right garden lighting.

Japanese garden lights come in many shapes and sizes but probably the most popular and therapeutic is the wooden louvered lights. They are made of wood with louvered panels on all four sides to all as much or as little light as you want to emanate from them. They have a small hole in the top to allow the smoke and heat from the wax candle to flow away. It is therefore quite nice sometime s top burn citronella candles or other candles scented which will undoubtedly add to the relaxing and peaceful effect.

Japanese garden lights have a louvered door at the front which allows you to place the candle within a glass tube on the inside. The glass tube stops the candles from being blown out. These garden candles give off adequate light and create an ambience like now other garden lights. The light flickers slightly as a breeze flows over the top, and this is what the Japanese believe give these garden lights their special and some what mystical appeal.

Japanese garden lights usually come in three different sizes and usually include a hook or handle on the top so that they can be placed in a tree or on a stake in the ground. It is also worth while remembering that they can be left outside all year round so they are not jut a summer light. They really add atmosphere and ambience to any evening garden party and are quite a popular light for lighting up pathways.

Care of timber frames Japanese garden lanterns is quite straight forward, especially if they are made of a hardwood. They can be treated annually with a stain or a wax to make them last longer. As with any natural material such as wood, they will need annual care if they are to be left outside all year round.

They can also be used in doors in any room you so choose. They are quite safe as the candle is housed behind a glass tube. They will add atmosphere to a bedroom or bathroom and always remember that the amount of light they output can be easily controlled by simply opening and closing the louvers.

There may be some truth in the Japanese saying that a Japanese garden lantern will help you live in contentment for the rest of your life.

Jenny Edwards is the operations manager of rboreta Home & Garden Store. She is responsible for the buying and importing of new products.