Sundials

Sundials

The sundial has been with humankind for a long time. Early people tracked the passage of large stretches of time by observing the movement of the stars. As their observations grew more sophisticated they learned how to measure shorter stretches of time by tracking the movement of a shadow cast by the sun.

Originally, the early sundials were constructed of wood and stone. The enormous creations were too big for stands; they had to rest on the ground. By the Middle Ages, craftsmen created sundials of metal that were practical timepieces and beautiful works of art. Today, we no longer use the sundial to track the passage of the hours, but we still appreciate the skill that goes into their making.

Adding a sundial with stand to your backyard immediately sets up a historical theme for your garden. Victorian, Old World and Traditional style gardens are natural fits for sundials. You can elaborate on these themes by choosing bird baths, garden hose holders and other backyard accessories that echo the styling of the sundial. Our collection of decorative outdoor accessories includes sundials of stone and metal to accent a wide variety of themes.