Sundial Poetry

Many people find the symmetry of art and nature soothing – and nowhere is this more evident than in the garden. The combination of birdsong, the luscious palette of flowers in bloom and the subtle blending of shapes create a living work of art that many feel is unmatched by even the finest canvas in any museum. One of the most popular additions to a garden has, for centuries, been a sundial – and as there's little more personal than the sanctuary we find in our garden, it's important to be able to personalise the sundial of your choice.

Popular Sundial Designs

Whether you're interested in a flat sundial, an armillary sphere sundial or a wall-mounted sundial, there is plenty of variety to choose from. You can select a sundial made from a material that fits with your décor, in a size that best suits your space. Whether you mount the sundial on a plinth or a rock, order one made from polished brass or wrought iron, virtually any sundial can be made more personal through engraving. Adding a motto to your chosen sundial is a great way to mark a special occasion, such as retirement or a significant anniversary or birthday.

Sundials as Art

As a classic piece of design, the sundial is a predictable point of musing for many of history's greatest thinkers. John Quincy Adams, for example, wrote a sonnet to the sundial under the window of the hall of the United States House of Representatives. A sundial makes an appearance in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, during the second act of Shakespeare's As You Like It and appeared in countless paintings throughout the Renaissance. The armillary sphere in particular is regarded as a work of art by scientists and gardeners - perhaps because of the intricate arrangement of rings and attention to detail required in its construction. Some manufacturers produce a collection of sundials with popular verses already engraved – so in addition to adding a piece of sculpture to the canvas of your garden, you can add a little literary spark. Other manufacturers offer a variety of personalisation options.

Mottos for Sundials

One of the most popular sundial mottos is arguably the first two lines of Robert Browning's poem Grow Old Along With Me, also popular is the poem, Kiss of the Sun by Dorothy Frances Gurney. There are countless verses adorning sundials around the world – some are popular, widely known phrases like 'time passes as shadow' while others are personal messages from children to parents, husbands to wives. All of these words, once engraved or embossed on the sundial, become somehow immortal – serving as a reminder of cherished sentiments or special occasion. Personalising your sundial is easy – a motto of virtually any length can be engraved on a plate and attached to the pedestal, your choice of motto can be stamped into the base or gnomon of a flat or wall mounted sundial or a brief motto can be engraved along the top band of an armillary sundial.