The Use Of Sundials As Timekeepers And Garden Features
Sundials give incredibly accurate time by using the position of the sun to determine what time of day it is. They must point towards ‘true north’ for complete precision. This can be easily found using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the compass which can be found on some cellphones, making sure it searches for ‘true north’ and not ‘magnetic north’.
An alternative is to mark the shadow of a vertical object at ‘local apparent noon’; tools to ensure that calculations are precise are available on the internet and in guidebooks. Another way to make accurate markings is to use a piece of string suspended from a support and record the stages of shadow. Sundials work by using either the direct line of light or the shadow cast by the ‘gnomon’; the edge of the metal angle attached to the base.
The earliest known of these time pieces are ‘obelisks’ from 3500BC, used in ancient Egyptian astronomy. Businesses and Governments used local sundials as formal timekeepers up until the 1830s. NASA recently positioned some on each of the ‘exploration rovers’ to Mars, to help adjust the cameras sending back images and to document the passing of time on another planet.
They are not only practical but are also used as garden art all over the world, as a strong main feature or discreetly tucked into the growth. Of course they are most effective as timekeepers when placed centrally with full access to daylight. Even if a buyer does not wish to use it to tell the time, the attractive designs and solid materials mean that they can be used as a stylish and handy surface.
There are many websites devoted to selling a variety of both the faces and supporting structures so it is easy to find one to suit personal taste. Some are simpler, some have intricate engravings, and there is also much to choose from for the gnomon or the pedestal. But postage costs may be high as they are most commonly made from bronze or wrought iron.
Many garden centres sell them and can also provide inspiration for how the buyer wants to position their purchase, and which plants may enhance the feature in the surroundings of the individual garden. Second hand items are sometimes available from house clearance auctions or from local community sales.
They do not require much maintenance other than occasional wiping with a cloth and hot water. It is recommended that users do not apply polish, but for stubborn stains a small amount of lighter fluid can be used. Even this is not necessary unless chosen by the owner; natural ageing of the material will add to the classical look.
As the only requirement of an accurate garden sundial is that its face be placed parallel to the ground, there are many different types of sizes and forms to choose from. The face can be part of a sculpture, on a plinth or on any flat surface, or the face can be bought without a vertical structure and embedded into the ground.
Are you looking for more information on Sundials for your garden? If you are considering to get Sundials to beauty your garden, review the information available on our website to find out more.
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