What Are Gazing Balls?
Gazing balls are orb-shaped ornaments with a colored reflective coating used to decorate garden areas. The reflection of the gazing ball is appealing to today's garden visitors and homeowners. As a garden ornament, gazing balls can be moved to change the look of the garden. The use of gazing balls in the garden has been popular throughout history. Does this Spark an idea?
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History of Gazing Balls
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Gazing balls have been around since the thirteenth century. In Victorian times the gazing ball was strategically placed in the garden, allowing the butler to glance without notice at the reflection of guests to see if they needed assistance. In southern gardens the globes were used so the homeowner could see which visitors arrived before they appeared to greet them. They were a fixture of European gardens and are most commonly associated with Victorian English gardens.
Origin of Gazing Balls
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Gazing balls were not originally created simply for decorating the garden. The gazing ball was created in Italy by craftsmen. Gazing balls were hand-blown glass affixed most often to a wrought-iron stand as a lawn ornament. Gazing balls were thought to possess good luck and to bring prosperity to the owners, fending off evil spirits and bad luck.
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Caring for Gazing Ball Ornaments
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Gazing balls have a seal at the neck of the glass ball. Never loosen or remove the ball from its stand. Keep the gazing ball moisture free, as water inside the ball may peel the color off the ball if it gets wet. Gazing balls are made of blown glass and can be fragile during storms and freezing weather. Moving your gazing ball to indoor storage during winter will help prolong the life of the gazing ball.
Garden Display of Gazing Balls
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The gazing ball reflects your garden flowers, the sky and home structures. Parts of the garden can be viewed by one look in the globe. Multiple gazing balls are often set up at different heights to provide color, shape and interest in the garden. Gazing balls can be found in garden centers and specialty shops.
Modern Gazing Balls
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Gazing balls are used in today's garden for decoration purposes. Gazing balls are thought to enhance the overall look of the garden. They come in varying sizes, from 2 to 22 inches in diameter. Modern gazing balls are made of glass, as well as stainless steel, ceramic or stained glass. Gazing balls are used in famous gardens and home gardens throughout the world.
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