I would like to make a sun dial out of a big tree stump, how?

Question

I have an old tree stump about 2 feet in diameter in my back yard and that's want I want to do with it.

Answer 1

Look online for a sun dial. The stump will need to be flat, and in sunlight for the full day. The pointer (called a gnomen) should be at an angle that corresponds with your longitude. If you are at 43% longatude, the gnomen needs to be set at 43% and point true north (not magnetic north). Or, you can just wait for 12:00 noon (standard time, not daylight savings time) and adjust the pointer so that it does not cast a shadow.

you can have two ornaments in one, if you combine the solar clock with a bird bath.

Answer 2

Make a giant "mushroom" out of it by taking a 5 inch high crosscut piece from another discarded tree. Make sure the diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the trunk in question. Mount the circular slab onto your trunk. You may have to attach with spikes if the slope is too great for the slab to simply sit on top of the trunk. This becomes a quaint accent piece. Flowers or ferns could be planted around the base.

Answer 3

I would probably try to mount a brass piece in the center. On each end it would have a thumbscrew to adjust the height of the brass piece.
The center triangle would mount to this brass piece, therefore, this will allow it to be moved from place to place on the Earth and one can adjust it to the angle for their area.
Perhaps, the brass mounting bracket should be inset into the wood, and the wood should be stained and shellac, i would think.

Answer 4

Sundials are an interesting garden accent. There are several different styles, and you should be able to find one that suits your tastes.

Check out our website for some interesting sundials at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/sundial.html

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 5

get a right triangle shaped piece of wood and nail it into the middle of the stump?