By Christine A. Smyczynski
Gazing balls make an attractive addition to any garden. They go by many names, including gazing globes, garden globe, Victorian ball, garden ball, and even witch ball.
Skilled craftsmen, who blew the glass by hand, first created these garden balls in 13th century Italy. The balls are still hand-blown today. While in the past many people believe the balls served a specific purpose, today they are used primarily for decoration in the garden.
Many legends surrounded the globes. Some said they brought good luck, while others said the balls kept away evil spirits and witches. In the South, the balls were placed by the front gate so that people could watch from the porch so they could see who was coming. During the Victorian era many homes had butler balls strategically placed so servants could observe guests and see if they needed anything.
USA Bird Supply has a number of gazing balls available, ranging in price from $29.99 to $35.99. Colors and surfaces include clear iridescent, mirrored, opalescent, stainless, and even decorative designs, like Golden Pond, which has a yellow, green, and blue design and Glow Galaxy, which has swirls of blue and green.