How to Incorporate a Sundial In Outdoor Decor?

Answer 1

Since the discovery of time, sundials have fascinated humankind. Sundials enabled people to tell time in older days. Fortunately in modern times, people now have the luxury of reading time by use of clocks. Sundials have not lost their luster completely; people continue to use them in outdoor decor. Follow these steps to choose and care for a sundial in your outdoor decor.

Step 1: Educate yourself on the use of a sundial. There are three main components of a sundial, the dial plate, dial centre and the gnomon. The gnomon component casts the shadow onto the sundial, giving indication of time. The dial plate or clock part of the sundial is the face of the sundial where it indicates the hours and the shadow from the gnomon is cast. Hour lines of the sundial meet at the dial centre component, at the north base point of the gnomon. As the Earth rotates and the sun moves across the horizon, the shadow is cast from the gnomon onto the dial plate. The landed shadow indicates the hour.

Step 2: Consider the type of sundial. Most commonly used for gardens and parks are horizontal sundials. This sundial has a flat dial plate, aligning the locations latitude with the gnomon. Equatorial sundial plates are parallel to the equator, with the gnomon vertical to the plate. A polar sundials dial plate is placed parallel to Earth’s polar axis, where an analemmatic sundial places you as the vertical gnomon.

Step 3: Choose the style of sundial. Sundials are made from many materials such as bronze, brass, marble, aluminum or cast iron. Each material must be cared for uniquely and range in price.

Step 4: Set up your sundial. Sundials usually come with their own specific set-up instructions. However, all sundials need to be placed facing north with the gnomon equal to your latitude.

Step 5: Provide maintenance for your sundial. Aluminum sundials are the most resilient to the elements; washing with a mild soap and thorough rinse you can keep your sundial vibrant. Brass and bronze materials should be occasionally polished with a quality metal polish to keep the metal gleaming. It can also be left to age naturally where it will begin to show a green coloring giving an antique finish. Clean your marble sundial with a mild soap and soft cloth, rinsing thoroughly. Abrasive or acidic cleaners may damage the marble stone. Fungus can be removed from the marble with a mild bleach solution and a thorough rinse. Cast iron sundials are susceptible to rusting; repaint your cast iron sundial with a rustproof metal paint to keep it looking new.

Sundials are a unique outdoor decoration passed down from our ancestors. Understanding sundial components, the types of sundials, the care and maintenance of your choice of sundial will keep your outdoor garden area elegant and functional.