Sundials: Old timepiece revived for modern minds
By Ted Schaaf
Gardens on Spring Creek
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In today's complex digital world, the sundial has become a forgotten timepiece.
The sundial dates back to the Egyptian period, around 1500 B.C. In central
Europe it was used even after the mechanical clock was developed in the
14th century because the pendulum clocks were far from accurate. Sundials
were actually used to check and adjust the time on mechanical clocks until
the late 19th century.
Sundials allow us to tell time by looking at the shadow cast by the sun
as it shines on the pointer of a sundial. A sundial works by casting a
shadow in different positions at different times of the day.
Types of sundials
The sundial used most often in the garden is the horizontal sundial. This
type of sundial adds a focal point to the garden, especially if it is displayed
on a pedestal. When located at the end of a pathway, the horizontal sundial
leads garden visitors toward it.
The vertical sundial needs to be mounted on a south-facing wall. In the
past, these sundials were most often hung on church towers and used to
correct the unreliable public clocks. The principle of a vertical sundial
is much the same as for other sundials; however it only occupies a semicircular
The pocket sundial, or shepherd's dial, is a small hand held sundial. The
first portable clock, if you will, it was used to tell time out in the
fields. George Washington owned a pocket sundial because, at that time,
pocket watches were also unreliable.
The human sundial has been used in public botanical gardens as well as
in schoolyards. This interactive sundial, as shown here at the Gardens
on Spring Creek, requires a person to use their hands to cast the shadow
that tells the time of day. The Gardens' sundial is laid out so that noon
is due north, with 8 a.m. facing west and 8 p.m. facing east.
Of course, it's up the individual gardener to decide what plant material
they wish to use to highlight their sundial. I have great fun using sunflowers,
especially the small dwarf types. My new favorite is a sunflower called
Sunny Smile. It bears an endless supply of flowers due to its nonpollen
trait that inhibits seed production. Sunflowers are unique in that, at
the bud stage, the flower follows the sun as it moves from east to west.
The flower bud returns to the east position as evening begins.
For a bold accent, try using the Four-o'clocks that do their own telling
of time. As the name suggests, these flowers open each day at four o'clock
and remain open all evening. Many of them add fragrance to the nighttime
garden. The Four-o'clock is one of the few garden plants that produce different
colored flowers on the same plant.
Since herbs are some of our oldest cultivated plants, they are at home
next to garden timepieces. In my opinion, one of the best herbs to use
is English lavender. For a groundcover consider Mother of Thyme. Both plants
add wonderful fragrance to the garden. Place potted, scented geraniums
nearby where they can release their heavenly fragrance.
Hedges can help define space around your sundial. The perennial used most
often for this purpose is Lavender Cotton. This plant takes well to a light
shearing. Remember to keep the plants around your sundial short so they
won't block out the sunlight.
Bring your family over to explore the interactive sundial at the Gardens
on Spring Creek.
Ted Schaaf is the horticulturist for Fort Collins' Gardens on Spring Creek,
located off Centre Avenue about a half mile south of Prospect Road.