Garden Gazing Balls

By Lisa Sousa

Gazing balls are a popular fixture in backyard gardens. These colorful spheres can be found in a wide range of sizes and colors. The most common size is 12 inches in diameter, but they can range in size anywhere from a tiny 2 inches to a whopping 22 inches across. Gazing balls are traditionally made of glass, but they can also be made with a variety of materials including stained glass, ceramic and stainless steel. Gazing balls are typically placed atop a stand, which can be a work of art in and of itself. Gazing balls are also known by several different names, including lawn balls, witch balls, gazing globes, garden ball, chrome ball, mirror ball, Victorian ball, butler globe and globe of happiness.

History And Uses Of Gazing Balls

Gazing balls have been used to accent gardens since the 13th century. Craftsmen in Venice made these beautiful spheres out of mouth blown glass. Many kings throughout history have had them in their gardens and believed that gazing balls had the power to keep away evil spirits, disease and attackers. Some legends say that gazing balls were used to repel witches. If the gazing ball is placed near the entrance to the home, then the witch would gaze into it and be scared by her own reflection. The name "globe of happiness" stems from the custom of giving the globes as wedding gifts to bring the bride and groom happiness. In Victorian times, gazing balls were used both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, they were placed on sideboards, and in dining rooms, so that the servants could use them to discreetly see who needed a refill without standing and staring at them throughout the meal. Another use was in the foyer of the home so parents could keep an eye on their daughters and their dates when they bid each other goodnight. Placed outdoors in the garden, young women would gaze into the ball, in hopes of catching a glimpse of their future husbands. In the South, they were called "garden gazers" and they were placed at the gate to the front yard so that one could see who was coming. Knowing ahead of time who is approaching, the people on the porch would either go and prepare a glass of iced tea or have refreshments ready for the guest or, in the case of an unwelcome guests, would go and hide.

Gazing Ball Care

A good quality gazing ball will last for a long time with the proper care. A solution of mild vinegar and water can be used for leaning stainless steel gazing balls. Automobile scratch remover can be used to remove scratches. Because gazing balls can be delicate, they should not be placed on the ground or other location where they might break. With this in mind, manufacturers have made special stands for them and are available where gazing balls and globes are sold. These stands come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes that can accommodate any kind of taste and any size of ball. Make sure that the gazing ball is on the pedestal securely enough so it will not be knocked over easily. These globes can be kept out in most weather; however, they should be brought in during extreme weather such as storms or harsh winters to keep them from freezing and cracking.

Displaying Gazing Balls

There are no rules for displaying gazing balls, whether one has several or only one to work with. The only requirement is creativity and imagination to display this wonderful work of art.

Check out Lisa's website Garden Style Decor, for gazing balls [http://www.garden-style-decor.com/Gazing-Balls.html], stands, and other wonderful garden accents.

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The Whimsy, Magic, and Wonder of a Beautiful and Enchanting Gazing Globe

By Charmaine Ferrer

A gazing globe is a unique lawn ornament with a rich history and is whimsical in nature. As more folks adorn their yards with outdoor decorations, it is a natural choice in enhancing the appeal and look of the back yard. This article will discuss what they are, its origin, history, and their uses in the 21st century. In addition, different styles and designs are described.

Also known as a yard glove, lawn ball, garden ball, chrome ball, and mirror ball, a gazing globe is a mirrored sphere typically displayed atop a conical ceramic or wrought iron stand as a lawn ornament. They come in various size ranges. They were originally made from glass, but are now also made from stainless steel, ceramic or stained glass. Different colors and designs are also available, with each having a unique and distinctive look. The gazing globes rest on a stem so they can securely rest in a stand.

Gazing globes originated in 13th century Venice, where they were hand blown by skilled Italian craftsmen. They are an important element to gardens, both spiritually and aesthetically because they are a fixture in European gardens, and are especially associated with Victorian era English gardens. Throughout history, they have been called many different names, including: witch ball, butler globe, globe of happiness, and Victorian ball.

Along with their whimsy, the gazing globe carries with it a few superstitions. European had these orbs around their gardens because they believed they held magical and mystical powers. It is also said to bring happiness, good luck, and prosperity to anyone who owned one. They were also said to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, illness, ghosts, and witches!

Some suggest the ball be placed near an entrance to a house. If a witch were to enter, she would not be able to get past her reflection, therefore, unable to break away from her own image. Others believed that looking into one for a long period of time, one would be one with the universe. You can easily get lost in the point of light that appears in the center.

With its hold in European culture, the mystical gazing globe made its way to America in the 20th century. Soon, everyone had at least one in their gardens, with colors ranging from luscious greens to bright blues. In Victorian times, the butler ball served as a mirror for servants to see when guests required assistance without staring at them during mealtime. In the American South, the gazing globe's purpose was useful in a southern antebellum garden. It was placed strategically by the path from the front gate so that folks could see from their porch who was calling before the caller could see them. This allowed plenty of time to prepare food and drink for their guests-or simply to hide! It was also said that they could be used in the foyer so parents could keep an eye on their daughter and her date, for example, as she kissed him goodnight.

Today, the gazing globe is used to enhance the overall look of the garden and yard landscape. The reflective ball allows you to view the entire garden, including the sky, all at once. Add a group of different colored balls together that peek out from between the shrubs or flowers and it gives the garden a whimsical feel. Gazing globes are simple, but elegant ornaments that fit well in almost any application. It adds beauty and a fanciful and wondrous look to any outdoor area.

The colors, sizes, styles and designs for gazing globes are endless-there are so many to choose from! Here are just a few types worth mentioning:

Glowing with a glass stand

Copper

Solar globe light

Mosaic disc

Artisan garden gazing globe

Celestial gazing ball

Steel

Color changing

Most of the them are coated with a mirror-like, reflective coating, some are clear and transparent, and others are hand painted with various patterns and designs-are mounted on various platforms as well. In terms of care, they should be cleaned on a regular basis with a dry cloth. If moisture were to ever get inside the glove, the reflective coating would peel off. In addition, they should be taken inside during the winter months to keep them from freezing and/or cracking.

Gazing globes are versatile, weatherproof, and provide long lasting beauty and enjoyment, adding life and personality to any garden. No matter what kind of gazing globe you choose for your garden, it will certainly become a pretty and suitable fixture for many years of enjoyment.

Garden Winds has a variety of gazing globes to choose from that match your outdoor garden landscape. Create whimsy and wonder with a gazing globe and a stand and add your own unique touch for the ultimate in outdoor enjoyment.

Charmaine Ferrer
877-479-4637
Garden Winds

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