Photo credit: David Perry/Lexington Herald-Leader
 

Yes, I have a sundial in my garden.

Like a birdbath, a sundial is an essential piece of garden architecture.

Not that I know how to tell time with one. I mean, mine is even in the shade!

So, when I found these directions for "setting" a sundial, I thought I'd share.

Like Daylight Savings Time, the time for re-setting your sundial is approaching - Sept. 1. (And Dec. 24, April 15 and June 15.)

Here's what to do:

Choose a level spot, in full sun.

Place the sundial so the shadow arm (the gnomon) is pointed toward the celestial north, not the magnetic north of the compass. The simplest way to find celestial north is to position the sundial at noon. Turn it so that the shadow of the gnomon falls directly on the mark representing noon.

You are now on "sun time."

To maintain the accuracy of the sundial, recalibrate it on one of the above dates, when the sun time and the clock time agree.

(Special thanks to Weekend Gardener for their sundial tips.)