Celestial Decor for the Thoughtful Gardener
Shop our curated collection of sundials, armillary spheres, and other astronomically-inspired garden art.
Shop the CollectionOur Curated Collection
The Classic Brass Sundial
A horizontal dial, meticulously crafted from solid brass, perfect for a robust pedestal. Calibrated for precise timekeeping. A timeless addition.
$280.00 View Details
The Verdigris Armillary Sphere
This stunning centerpiece boasts an authentic aged patina, modeling the celestial heavens. A monumental statement for any discerning garden.
$750.00 View Details
Equatorial Bow Sundial
A modern, sculptural piece designed for clarity and aesthetic appeal in a contemporary garden. Crafted from marine-grade stainless steel.
$395.00 View Details
Personalized Moon Phase Stepping Stones
A bespoke set of durable stone pavers, each engraved with the moon phases significant to your chosen dates – anniversaries, birthdays, or solstices.
$140.00 View DetailsChoosing and Placing Your Celestial Art
Sundial vs. Armillary Sphere: Which is Right for Your Garden?
While both beautiful instruments connect your garden to the cosmos, they serve distinct purposes. A sundial primarily tells time by casting a shadow, a direct link to the sun's daily journey across the sky. They are wonderful for moments of quiet contemplation and precision. Armillary spheres, on the other hand, are more sculptural representations of the celestial sphere, showcasing equators, ecliptics, and planetary paths. They excel as dramatic focal points, inviting deeper astronomical reflection rather than mere timekeeping. Consider your primary desire: functional time-telling or a grand representation of cosmic order.
The Importance of Alignment for Accurate Sundials
For a sundial to precisely track time, correct alignment is paramount. This involves accurately determining true north and setting the gnomon (the shadow-casting element) to the correct angle, which corresponds to your garden's latitude. We provide detailed, easy-to-follow guides with every sundial. A compass can help find magnetic north, but local declination must be accounted for to find true north. Patience and precision in this step will ensure your sundial isn't just decor, but a functional celestial instrument.
Designing with a Focal Point: Integrating Celestial Decor
A well-placed armillary sphere or grand sundial can transform a garden space, drawing the eye and anchoring the entire design. Consider its scale relative to its surroundings; a large sphere needs space, while a smaller sundial might accent a quiet corner. Position it where light can play upon it throughout the day, creating dynamic shadows and reflections. Think about pathways leading to it, framing it with carefully chosen plantings, or placing it at the intersection of garden axes. It's not just an object; it's a destination within your landscape.
Need Help Incorporating a Piece?
Our astronomical garden design consultations can help you perfectly integrate a sundial or armillary sphere into your landscape design, ensuring both aesthetic harmony and celestial accuracy.
Book a Consultation