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Garden Ornaments

Chapter 9 THE SUN-DIAL IN THE GARDEN

Word Count: 3353    |    Released on: 01/12/2017

Christ, when it was employed by the Babylonians for the purpose of marking time. Later on, it came into use in England, attached to public buildings. One of the mos

ar and attracted the attention of royalty, when Charles I was seated on the throne. His collection was the largest in existence and represented all so

were used, such as wood, bronze and metal. The hour spaces were computed to comply with the locality in whi

ship" at Lady Warwick's summer home. The gnomon being of yew while the dial was worked out by the use of box, the lettering was outside and spelled t

its own special place, the former being used on buildings while the latter was for garden purposes s

thout one or more of these ornamental time-keepers. The high favor in which the "simple altar-like structure," with its "silent heart lan

y, where sundials have become, more especially of late years, a permanent fixture. Many of these have interestin

tell of stor

ount your s

es you s

tays,

he time,

eth and sp

th and wa

day and s

w thysel

one away with the necessity of depending upon such fair-weather time pieces, and furthermore, they were no longer popular in other lands. So, despite its charm and value as an

productions placed to-day on the market. All that is essential in order to work out proper results is that the dial should have a firm and absolutely level base to rest o

or stone can be used, although cement has become very fashionable. To soften the lines of a severely simple column, Ivy and other clinging vines can be placed around the base. The location is a matter that require

l gardens use it frequently as a central feature. If, however, a water garden takes this central place, the sundial should be at the end of some alluring path surrounded by masses of bright bloom. The chief fault that

motto. Here the gnomons offer a chance for variation for instead of a plain, simple shaft, it can

and show branches irregularly cut within three or four inches of the main trunk. There is a reason for this; it adds picturesqueness to the effect and gives pegs for the vines to climb over. Do not top it with a wooden dial. They are never satisfactory, for they are apt to warp and thus ruin the entire scheme. You need not go to great expense to procure a satisfactory one, for there are many materials to draw from, iron, brass and slate being the most desirable. The latter are not expensive as they cost simply the pric

L IS A FEAT

e should be taken in its setting. If it is out of plumb it will not keep good time. Should you, by chance, be able to procure an old mill stone, it serves two purposes, first it is a practical foundation and second it lends

d together with mortar, the red giving a touch of color to the drapery of the sundial

e, it may not be suitable for our latitude. In cases like that it is best to have

design or ornamentation that is appropriate for the garden can be introduced. For the dial the gnomon is made much more interesting if it shows a unique formati

veryone must decide for themselves. One reason against the flower setting is that it serves to hide the dial's meaning until you approach it closely. The eye is attracted to the bright blooming flowers rather t

uld be taken that in immediate proximity there should be pure white pebbles picked up on the beach. This may re-act on the shaft, giving it an air of sameness, and

e chosen from a single variety such as the Boston fern, which is one of the most popular on a

rcle and placing inside the Elegantissima, which belongs to the crested variety and is especially adapted for massing. For a delicate, dainty setting, there is nothing more beautiful than the Adiantum Ruh

ticular feature of garden culture. It depends in part on the pedestal as to whether low roses or delicate climbing ones should be used. If it is a plain, simple shaft, i

plant low, dwarf roses, near the pedestal just far enough away so there will be several inches of space between. The roses themselves should be planted in heavy clay loam, although light and sandy s

oom. For a combination planting, the Baby Dorothy is very effective; it is carnation pink, with the habit and growth similar to that of the Baby Rambler. The latter is very effective, rosy crimson

ady Gay whose delicate cerise pink blossoms fade to soft white, making a most pleasing combination of white flowers, crimson buds and green foliage. In connection with that, why not plant the Source d'Or, which is deep yellow, gradually paling.

ly hardy, easy to grow and fragrant that they are advisable for this use. The Clothilde Soupert is a good color to choose. It is a strong, vigorous grower, putting forth large, double flowers like a ball of snow. The colo

EFFECTIVELY AS A

als very large and of great substance, being just as handsome in the bud form as in the full-blown flower. For a soft, pearly white, the Kaiser

shows double white flowers that are very fragrant. Mixed with this can be the Jackmania Alba, which is white, shaded with blue. The Fair Rosamond, if one wishes a combination, fits in with the co

in the spaces put in a package of Shirley, the combination of the three varieties giving a most fascinating touch of color. For the Shirley, why not use the finest mixed, as it will bring out white, delicate pink, deep crimson, and handsomely striped varieties. The Perennial is advantageous because it comes up every year while the Oriental are

a scheme that is most attractive. When it comes to brick you will have to depend upon white, or light blue for coloring. More care should be taken with the planting around this kind of a pedestal than any other. The red of the brick demands more covering than any other type. The Hop vine fits into the scheme, b

hows white flowers in pairs, and sends forth a delicious perfume that attracts one even before the sundial is viewed. The Hall Evergreen Honeysuckle i

nt colors. There are both single and double varieties. The beauty of this plant is that it succeeds in any good soil, that is if well drained and given plenty of water when dry. They can be planted either in the late summer or spring, as desirable, and should be shown in masses, growing from two to three feet in height and lasting in blossom for a month.

ner, though, if out-of-the-way ideas can be evolved, it will

FOUN

S IN THE HEART

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