Did you realize that sundials need to be set, just like any other signs? We didn’t either. So even when the sun isn’t shining, pay attention to your sundial. A sundial must be anchored in a garden by someone who knows how to set the dial at the correct angle to tell accurate time. Placement is different for every location. To set your sundial:
Put your sundial in a location that is flat and gets full sun, not shaded by trees, bushes or the house.
Calibrate the gnomon. A gnomon is the part of the sundial that sticks up from the face of the dial. Orient the gnomon directly in line with the North Star.
These are the best days to set a sundial for an accurate reading. The best time is at noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. “Sun time” and “clock time” agree only four times a year:
June 15
September 1
December 24
April 15
On one of these dates, go outside at noon and position the sundial so the shadow cast by the gnomon indicates noon as well.
Photo: Hindman
Setting a Sundial
Set your sundial at noon, June 15. Place it so the shadow falls on the 12.
Top 5 Tips for Antiques in Outdoor Rooms, Gardens
Antique outdoor furniture and décor is especially popular this year as the trend continues to create outdoor living spaces. Here are 5 tips on creating an inviting garden space with antique and vintage finds. These items can be purchased at flea markets, outdoor markets and, of course, garage sales. Durable woods (teak or bamboo, for example), concrete and cast iron are all materials that can withstand 12 months of outdoor life and all kinds of weather and temperatures.
Tip: If you find something you love at one of these markets and don’t have a car big enough to transport your new treasure, look for dealers who live in your are and may be willing to help transport it. We’ve always had luck finding someone with a pick-up or van to help!
Vintage planters. Decide where you want the container before you buy so that you purchase the proper size, shape, style and material. Big pots can create a focal point in a garden. Choose plants that complement the color and finish of your planter. Keep in mind how the pot will look in winter. Materials can be marble, concrete, terra-cotta, teak, bamboo, cedar or pressure-treated wood to reduce moisture damage. Look to see if there are drainage holes in the containers or pots and water accordingly. If there are holes, you may have to water more frequently. To help value your planter look for a mark, usually on the bottom. Verify the material of the planter. Concrete will be rougher than terra-cotta or ceramic and marble. Marble and colorful glazed majolica are usually worth the most. You can find marks in our online marks guide.
Oversized statues. Remember that saying “go big or go home?” That’s what we are talking about here. Grecian statues or anything whimsical or classic can be a focal part of your garden. Again, look for something big and dominant. Fall in love.
Sundial. Nothing says fun like an old sundial. We’ve seen so many styles and examples we know you will have fun finding one at auctions or flea markets. You might even find them through online marketplaces! Remember you have to find a sunny space to put it (I know. We had to say it). And sundials have to be set just like clocks. Your next opportunity will be June 15. See for how to set it. And while you are at it, if you spot an old weathervane, they are great decorative pieces, as well as conversation starters.
Fountains, fountains, fountains. Why did we say it three times? Because we love tiered fountains and three tiers would be awesome. Not only are they pretty, they create a relaxing sound of moving water and waterfalls. They may also attract birds! We are always on the lookout for cardinals and blue jays. When you are at garage or house sales, peek into the back yard. You might find a fountain or other large object perfect for gardenscape … at a bargain price! If you are lucky, you may find brands like J. W. Fiske & Company of New York City. The company was the most prominent American manufacturer of decorative cast iron in the second half of the nineteenth century. They are known for garden fountains, statues, urns and cast-iron garden furniture.
Ceramic “seats” and painted garden stands or furniture. Ceramic garden seats are a great way to add seating without having your whole garden filled with chairs. There are some beautiful ones out there! Older less valuable furniture can become a piece of art with painting and stenciling in waterproof paints. Consider the colors already in your garden from flowers, fences or other furniture. Painting pieces green or white often work.
Bonus tip: Outdoor furniture designed or made by certain companies are getting very high prices in auctions. Those designers include Walter Lamb, Salterini, Richard Schultz and Jordan Kartell. If you spot those names at a good price, snap them up! The investment will be worth it.
Vintage American copper heron weather vane on stand, $584. Photo: Leland Little Auctions
A bronze angels fountain statue, $13,800.Photo: Super Auction Gallery
Classical style bronze mermaid fountain, $4,920. Photo: Leland Little Auctions
Aronsson Soner Swedish armillary sundial, $1,046.Photo: Westport Auction
Ornate West London gold tone pocket sundial compass, $35. Photo: South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services Inc.
Pinehurst Golf Club putter boy sundial trophy, $461. Photo: Leland Little Auctions
Don’t Forget to Set Your Sundial on April 15th
A sundial is always accurate, right? Believe it or not, you should “set” your sundial a few times a year. Placement is different for every geographic location. As we start to enjoy more outdoor time, finding a decorative sundial and making sure it actually does its job can be easy.
Put your sundial in a location that is flat and gets full sun.
Calibrate the gnomon. A gnomon is the part of the sundial that sticks up from the face of the dial. Line up the gnomon with the North Star.
The best time to calibrate your sundial is at noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
“Sun time” and “clock time” agree only four times a year: April 15, June 15, September 1, and December 24. On one of these dates, go outside at noon and position the sundial so the shadow cast by the gnomon indicates noon as well. If you want accurate time all year, you will need to recalibrate your sundial seasonally as the sun moves faster in the spring and slower in the winter.
The sun does not know about Daylight Savings time. Depending on what state you live in, your sundial may be off by an hour.
Photo: Austin Auction Gallery
How to Set a Sundial
These are the steps on how to properly set a sundial. A sundial must be anchored in a garden by someone who knows how to set the dial at the correct angle to tell accurate time. Placement is different for every location. To set your sundial:
Put your sundial in a location that is flat and gets full sun, not shaded by trees, bushes or the house.
Calibrate the gnomon. A gnomon is the part of the sundial that sticks up from the face of the dial. Orient the gnomon directly in line with the North Star.
These are the best days to set a sundial for an accurate reading. The best time is at noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. “Sun time” and “clock time” agree only four times a year:
April 15
June 15
September 1
December 24
On one of these dates, go outside at noon and position the sundial so the shadow cast by the gnomon indicates noon as well.
If you want accurate time all year, you will need to recalibrate your sundial seasonally as the sun moves faster in the spring and slower in the winter.
Some notes:
Sundials do NOT account for Daylight Savings Time so your sundial will be off by an hour.
A compass shows magnetic north but not true or geographic north. To use a compass, you will have to adjust for your location (magnetic declination) using the data on the NOAA website.
Your gnomon may be the wrong size or at the wrong angle for your latitude. You can compensate for this by raising or lowering the bottom edge of your sundial.
A sundial is a useful and attractive addition to your garden. Find prices of more sundials in our online price guide.
Sundials
A stick’s shadow, sundials, clocks, watches, and wristwatches have all made it easier for a person to tell time. The earliest known sundial dates from about 800 B.C. Pocket sundials have been recorded since the thirteenth century. The pocket sundial, used by travelers, was set with the aid of a compass. The permanent sundial is […]
Why This Weekend Is the Best Time to Set up Your Sundial
Sundials have been used for centuries to tell time during the day. As the sun appears to move across the sky, it casts a shadow across the sundial’s pointer, called a gnomon, onto the sundial surface, which is marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. A sundial can be fairly accurate if the angle of the gnomon and the position of the hour lines are properly aligned.
Stone or metal sundials are attractive and interesting additions to your garden. It is complicated to set a garden sundial, but the summer solstice on June 21st is one of the best times of the year to do it. The summer solstice marks the point that the sun will be highest in the Northern Hemisphere sky—the day with the longest period of daylight.
The sundial pictured here is made of marble and bronze and sold for $1,750 at a Kamelot auction in Philadelphia. It was made about 1880 and is about 30 inches high. The 19 1/2-inch diameter dial has a border that is inscribed “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” But if your garden budget is lower, many sundials auction for less.
Sundials have been used for centuries to tell time during the day. The sun casts a shadow across the sundial’s pointer, called a gnomon, onto the sundial surface. It’s marked with lines indicating the hours of the day.
“Sun time” and “clock time” agree only four times a year, April 15, June 15, September 1 and December 24. These are the best days to set a sundial for an accurate reading. The best time is at noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Don’t forget to adjust by one hour for Daylight Savings Time.
This sundial is bronze, about 16 inches wide. It sold for $510 at a Kamelot auction in Philadelphia. Find prices of more sundials in our online price guide.
Setting Your Sundial
Set your sundial on June 15. Place it so the shadow falls on the 12. Add an hour to the time if your area is on Daylight Savings Time.
Kovels.com Item of the Week June 20, 2011: Sundial
Stone or metal sundials are attractive and interesting additions to your garden. The sundial pictured here is made of bronze, is about 16 inches wide, and sold for $510 at a recent Kamelot auction in Philadelphia.
It is complicated to set a garden sundial, but the summer solstice on June 21st is the best day to do it. The summer solstice marks the point that the sun will be highest in the Northern Hemisphere sky—the day with the longest period of daylight.
Sundials have been used for centuries to tell time during the day. As the sun appears to move across the sky, it casts a shadow across the sundial’s pointer, called a gnomon, onto the sundial surface, which is marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. A sundial can be fairly accurate if the angle of the gnomon and the position of the hourlines are properly aligned.
