Using the light from our nearest star to power our daily activities is a hot topic these days when the costs of electricity and fossil fuels rise dramatically. But solar energy is nothing new. Many inventions in history were powered by the sun’s rays, most notably our topic of discussion, the garden sundial.
Sundials have been used for thousands of years to tell time. And not only do they serve a practical purpose, but they also make for a beautiful and unique piece of garden décor. Today, you can find loads of shadow clock designs that can add the perfect finishing touch to any outdoor space.
Want to ditch digital devices and let the sun be your timekeeper while meditating or chilling in your garden? Then let’s delve into the rich history of these features and show you how to choose the perfect garden sundial and incorporate it into your outdoor oasis.
What Is a Sundial?
The earliest example was invented by the Egyptians in about 1500 BCE. The simple design was further developed over time thanks to modifications made by the Greeks and Romans. But it was in the middle ages that the Muslim community created the shadow clock that is familiar to us today, with the gnomon (the portion that casts the shadow) oriented to follow the earth’s polar axis.
As you know by now, these garden features make use of the sun’s shifting shadow as it progresses across the sky during the day. We are aware that the earth is rotating on its axis, not the sun. That said, a sundial primarily consists of two components:
- the portion that protrudes from the face, also known as the gnomon
- the dial face that marks the hours
The gnomon’s shadow changes throughout the day as the sun moves its position. Its slowly rotating dial displays the passage of time.
How to Choose One?
First, decide what you want to do with this feature. Do you want it to serve as the garden’s centrepiece? Will it blend in with the surroundings of the garden or stand out dramatically from the different landscape elements? Do you want it to be a keepsake or just a temporary decoration? With this in mind, consider the following factors to make your choice.
Type
There are different types of garden sundials to choose from, including horizontal, equatorial, and vertical. Horizontal dials are the most common type and are designed to be placed on a flat surface, such as a patio or garden table. These can also feature a pedestal.
Equatorial sundials, on the other hand, are mounted on a pole and use a style that runs parallel to the earth’s equator. And vertical options are designed to be mounted on a wall or a vertical surface.
Material
Every material has a distinct personality and has a different effect on a garden. This could change over time or perhaps appear differently as the seasons change. Therefore, it’s crucial to think about the impression you want this outdoor feature to convey in its intended setting.
For instance, using polished metal surfaces or strong shapes can produce a contrast between natural and artificial elements. Stainless steel is durable and resistant to the elements. It won’t fade or crack like other materials, so you won’t have to worry about that. You might choose to go with a stainless steel moving part but a stone pedestal. Another typical material for outdoor sculptures like these is cast iron.
Size and Shape
Sundials are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate any location. So measure the space you have in consideration of how the sun will reflect on your dial. Make sure there aren’t any trees or structures obstructing the light.
Do you want a small dial for your garden that will rest firmly on the ground? Or maybe you favour a large centrepiece that will be elevated on a pedestal instead? Think carefully about the height of the plants in your garden to see if they may block the sunlight.
How to Position Your Garden Sundial
For this simple timekeeper to be as accurate as possible, it must be positioned in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day without being locked by trees, buildings, or other obstructions. It should be visible and easily accessible. Additionally, it must be oriented to true north for accurate timekeeping.
A level area in a sunny setting is the best location. Because these are the four days of the year when clock time and solar time coincide, the location should be set on one of the following dates: April 15, June 15, September 1, or December 24. Here are some tips to set up your timeless solar-powered clock.
- Find true North – the direction that runs over the surface of the Earth towards the North Pole and is located at latitude 90N. For tiny backyard sundials, a compass will work, but it is not particularly precise. The only purpose of a compass is to find magnetic north, which is sufficient for most.
- A true vertical object can also be positioned at the exact local noon and its shadow marked. Finding a dependable method to mark the shadow at local noon is important.
- You can also place it so that at high noon no shadow is visible. In the morning, the shadow should be to the left, and in the afternoon, to the right.
These tips should be enough to set up your garden sundial. After learning about the differences between sun time and clock time, the location of true north, and how to correctly angle your gnomon, you will be able to appreciate the beauty and functionality of your sun clock in a new way.
How to Make This Feature the Perfect Extension of Your Landscape
Designing the surrounding landscape to complement the sundial can also enhance its overall aesthetic. You can achieve this by incorporating complementary plants, such as flowers and shrubs, into the landscape design. Additionally, adding seating or a patio area near your shadow clock can create a comfortable and inviting outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying its beauty.