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Garden Accoutrements

Gazing balls, need to gain view of my driveway

14 years ago

First, can anyone suggest online resources for reasonably priced gazing balls and stands?

Second, I'm thinking of a gazing ball to gain a view down my driveway from my back door - without the use of a mirror, my only idea was a gazing ball. Any other suggestions? I have rescue dogs who will wander if not kept confined, and to err on the safe side, I'd like a view of the driveway gate to be sure it's closed when I let the dogs out. My kitchen window is too high to see on that side of my house. I was thinking of placing the gazing ball next to my detached garage, giving me a view of the driveway.

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Comments (4)

etehiver
14 years ago
It's a really smart, creative idea... essentially using a gazing ball as a mirror. Unfortunately, unless the gazing ball is really large, I'm not sure you'd be able to see much from your vantage point though. I know a little bit about optics, and I can imagine a scenario that you could see something, but the detail would be so small that you wouldn't really be able to discern the detail.

One thing you might want to consider is to google "security mirrors" to take your idea further. Keep in mind a small-ish sphere will distort an image far more than a convex mirror. It all depends on the relative size of the reflection.

There may also be a creative way to transform a security mirror into a garden accoutrement. You never know...

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:2792}}
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
14 years ago
Nice idea kimcoco. The driveway gate should be big enough to see in a gazing ball and the advantage of the ball (aside from being more aesthetically pleasing) is that it doesn't need to be at a certain angle. Unfortunately I can't help with cheap sources.

tj
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pippi21
14 years ago
I've seen the security mirrors used a lot, especially at end of driveway where the owner needs to be able to see what is coming around the curve, so they don't pull out and get hit.
On I can think of right away is at a landscaping contractor's entrance. I bet if you googled Security Mirrors, you could get an idea of cost of one of these and what is involved in installation. Sounds like it would work better than a glazing ball.
crazy4cows
14 years ago
I agree that the gazing ball may not give you the clear image you want in this circumstance. Perhaps you could find a cheap thrift store mirror to prop in your garden to serve your needs and not look so "security like". You can find many styles and a quick coat of paint if it isn't to your liking.

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