"Weather Vanes - The storm predictors!"

Weather vanes, also known as wind vanes, have been an important tool for sea-farers and farmers alike for over 2000 years, and probably longer.

The wind plays a key role in most outdoor activities and a weather vane can predict an oncoming storm with ease!

They have taken on many shapes and designs over the centuries.

At some point, probably around the 14th century, the rooster became very fashionable and still is today.

Early wind vanes would have been carved from wood, but because wood couldn't survive the elements for too long, there are very few vanes of old still in existence. The ones that are found are considered to be very valuable.

Iron and copper moulds replaced the traditional wood carving methods and hand-made specimens are very much sought after.

In times of old, wind vanes were fairly expensive to make and normally they would be found on public buildings or large manor houses.

However, the keen gardener would have made some form of weather predictor and this is reflected in our passion for these wonderful and practical sculptures we buy ( or make ) today.

They have been lovingly crafted by specialists and one or two are still lurking around antique shops, if you really are determined to find one!

Although they are mass produced today, there is still a thriving cottage industry in many rural areas, and some of these wonderful crafts men and women will make your weather predictor exactly as you would like it.

The gardener's tool: Gardener's are always predicting the weather! I know from my own experience in the garden that the rain sends it's scent on ahead!

Planting by the moon and observing weather conditions can mean the difference between a failed crop and an abundant harvest.

A weather predictor can alert a gardener to changes in the wind, and steps can be taken to protect delicate plants in time.

Weather vanes for US delivery can be ordered online at Gardeners Supply Co.

Weather Vanes at Gardeners Supply - Click on 'Measure the Weather' and browse 3 pages of weather predicting products.



Or if you're in the UK try Gone Gardening...

Weather Vanes at Gone Gardening - Click on 'The Garden', then 'Outdoor Clocks, Thermometers and Ornaments'.

Do it yourself: Why not make your own? It's a great project to do with the kids - these two pages will take you off to instructions to make your very own wind vane. Read them both. They are similar but have their own specific information...

Craft projects at History.org

Craft projects at sln.fi.edu

There are wonderful designs available to grace your outside space with elegance and style, and are a useful tool to have around in these days of unpredictable weather patterns.

Happy Gardening!

www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/weathervanes.html