Since ancient times, weathervanes have been used to help understand and forecast the weather. Today, they are a fun and functional way to bring a personal touch to your home and garden. Whether you choose a weathervane that depicts traditional old world style, or a whimsical design that reflects your personal interests, a weathervane is a great way to make an eye-catching statement.
Style: From dog breeds and birds in flight, to farm animals, ships and mythological creatures, you can find a weathervane for just about any garden theme. Copper weathervanes are popular, because with each passing year the copper gathers more patina and giving them a look of old-world charm. Other common materials include painted or unpainted steel, aluminum, and vinyl.
Size: One of the most important things to consider when selecting a weathervane for your garden is the size. Will it be mounted on a post in the ground, or adorn the top of your garden shed? In either case, keep in mind that weathervanes appear smaller in size as you move away from them. As a general rule, roof mounted weathervanes tend to be larger in size than those mounted closer to the ground.
Cupolas: Most "garden" weathervanes are designed to be mounted on a post and stuck into the ground. If you plan to mount your weathervane on top of a roof, the addition of a cupola can really make it stand out. Years ago, cupolas were designed to ventilate and provide light to barns and other buildings. Today they are primarily used to as "roof jewels", a rustic accent to compliment homes and weathervanes.
Wind cup weathervanes: This style of weathervane has small wind cups located between the ornamental figure and the directional arrows that spin around freely even in the slightest breeze. With a wind cup weathervane, you get a lot of movement. You can not only see which direction the wind is blowing, but also how hard it is blowing.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I need an idea on where to place a weather vane. It is only a foot tall. It is not the kind that you put on your roof; it has a flat base. It falls over if I place it in the garden on the ground. I really need suggestions. Thanks.
By waitress from Brick, NJ
Not knowing how large the base is, I could suggest several options. Placing river rock around and on the base to help stablize it. Burying the base and putting rocks around the area that is buried. Putting in a post and mounting it to the top of the post with screws or gorilla glue.
That's all I can think of, maybe something will come to mind from those suggestions.
Good luck!
I would buy a yard timber and or a nice log and mount it to that so it is higher. Just bend over a good sized nail it a trio around the base if you can't put screws through it. A nice flower at the base, that kind of thing.
You could also glue it to a decorated paving stone, or do one of those make your own stepping stone kits and put the base of the weather vane into it.
