Looking for creative ways to add interest to your outdoor spaces? Bird baths, ponds, vertical gardens, fire pits and various kinds of plants may seem too banal, while there’s an old and great way to spruce up any garden or even a flower bed: a gazing ball.
What Is A Gazing Ball?
A gazing ball, also known as a garden sphere or mirror ball, is a shiny sphere made of glass, ceramic, or metal that reflects light and its surroundings. People have used them in gardens since the 13th century, starting in Venice, Italy. Back then, they were made of blown glass and thought to keep away evil spirits. Today, you can find gazing balls in many materials, shapes, and sizes.
A beautiful garden with greenery, rocks, bright flowers, colorful gazing balls on stands that add even more color to the space.
A beautiful purple flower bed with blue and purple glossy garden balls that make it outstanding and very cool.
A blue gazing ball placed into pink roses adds color and interest to the garden bed and makes it unusual and bold.
A bright blue gazing ball with a glossy finish placed on a glass stand with pendants is a cool decoration that looks unusual.
A bright raised garden bed with bold fuchsia blooms and a glass sphere for a bold accent is a cool decoration for any modern outdoor space.
A colorful garden ball will illuminate and spice up any garden space, even the simplest and smallest one, put it on a stand to make it clearly seen.
A colorful garden bed with blooms and bright foliage plus a silver garden ball on a stand is a stunning decoration for a garden.
A concrete stand with pebbles and a mirror gazing ball surrounded with blooms and greenery is a bold decoration for a fairy-tale garden.
A creative take on a garden ball highlighted with colorful leaves is a great idea, and it can be DIYed.
A garden bed with a stone edge, pebbles, a purple vase, bright blooms and greenery and deep purple gazing balls.
A glossy blue sphere is a colorful accent for a modern garden, it will stand out and will become a unique decor feature.
A glossy silver ball on a stone stand brings and a shiny touch to the flower bed and makes it look more personalized.
A gorgeous sunlit slot with a green lawn and topiaries plus a water bowl with a glass sphere in the center that illuminates the space.
A large blue garden ball is a gorgeous decoration for a garden, it brings a glossy touch and a bold colorful touch.
A large metal bowl with a gazing ball accents the space and makes it more eye-catching and unique.
Where To Place A Gazing Ball?
You can put gazing balls on a stand or among plants. Their reflections make your garden look deeper and more interesting. You could also place a clear gazing ball in a pond or waterfall for a cool effect. Make sure it’s in a sunny spot to reflect the surroundings well.
A large pool with a raised metal bowl and a glass sphere on top is a fab modern water feature for any outdoor space.
A large purple mirror garden ball on a vintage stand will add color and a shiny touch to your outdoor space, it looks unusual.
A lilac glass ball on a metal stand will add color to your greenery, a great idea for a shady garden where flowers can't grow.
A long green garden bed accented with bright gazing balls on stand that remind of the Solar system.
A lovely garden bed with bright pink blooms and greenery and a bowl with a gazing ball that reflects light and fill the space with it as a lens.
A metal bowl with a gazing ball fountain is a unique decoration for a modern outdoor space.
A mirror ball fountain is a gorgeous decoration and a miniature water feature for a modern garden, it won't take much space.
A mirrored stand covered with pebbles on top and with a mirror ball fountain is a modern alternative to traditional gazing balls.
A modern fountain with a raised water bowl with a glass sphere on top for a spectacular touch.
A modern landscape with greenery, a concrete path and a gravel yard plus mirror balls on the ground for a catchy and glossy touch.
A modern pond clad with stone, with some plants and a glass sphere in the center for a bold accent.
A modern raised garden bed with black pebbles inside and mirror gazing balls lifted up the bed.
A modern water body of concrete with pebbles and a glass ball fountain in the center is a great decoration for any contemporary garden or even a Zen one.
A modern white garden with greenery and white blooms around, a stand with a water bowl and a glass ball is a lovely idea for any space.
A raised garden bed with grasses and a metal bowl with a gazing ball is a lovely decoration for outdoors.
A rustic bucket with greenery and blooms and a large turquoise garden ball for a colorful touch and personalization.
Can I Make A Gazing Ball Myself?
Yes, it’s easy!
- You need a large plastic or foam ball and some acrylic paint. Paint the ball white first
- Then add your favorite colors and designs. Select colors that match or complement your garden’s plants and flowers. Bright colors can add a pop of excitement, while earth tones blend seamlessly with nature.
- Use a toothpick for small details.
- Finally, add a clear varnish to protect your design and make it shiny.
Experiment with different colors and patterns to create a unique piece for your garden.
Additional Practical Tips
- Arrange multiple gazing balls of different sizes and colors together for a striking visual effect.
- Place gazing balls near garden lights to create a beautiful glow at night. Solar-powered lights are a great option for eco-friendly illumination.
- Change your gazing balls with the seasons. For example, use frosty colors in winter, pastels in spring, bright shades in summer, and warm tones in fall.
- Match your gazing ball design to a garden theme, like a fairy garden or zen garden, to enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Use creative stands or bases, such as repurposed items like old vases or tree stumps, to add character and height variation.
A small pond with a glass sphere is a beautiful and stylish decoration for a minimalist garden like this one.
A stone garden path lined up with greenery and bright blue gazing balls for a colorful accent - who needs blooms when you can just place some bright balls.
A stunning arrnagement of a mini pond clad with tile, bright floral arrangements around and a glass sphere in the center.
A terrazzo bowl with a mirror sphere fountain is a unique water feature that is portable and looks very cool.
An arrangement of mirror garden balls on the ground will make your space unique, bold and modern.
An arrangement of silver, blue and grey garden balls is a lovely decoration for a modern garden.
An ultra-modern water feature clad with tiles, with a lit up glass sphere in the center as a water and light decoration for a garden.
Beautiful amber glass spheres on stands will make your garden even brighter and cooler, they add a warm touch of color.
Bright blooms and leaves, a silver garden ball on a stone stand create a beautiful arrangement for an outdoor space.
Colorful glass balls on copper stands are amazing to accent a green garden, they bring timeless elegance and a bold touch.
Garden balls with lights inside will be a beautiful decoration and light feature for your garden.
Lovely colorful mosaic garden balls on tall stand that make them visible from all the sides and a distance.
Lush greenery accented with a bold blue glass ball on a stand looks prettier and cooler and such a ball can accent the space.
Mismatching gazing balls on the grass will be a great alternative to blooms and any greenery, these are creative decorations.
Small colorful glass balls on metal stands can accent your flower bed adding more color and interest to the space.
Maintenance Tips
- Wipe your gazing ball regularly with a soft cloth and mild soapy water to keep it shiny. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
- Provide protection for your garden balls. During extreme weather, bring your them indoors. If they are too large to move, cover them with protective wraps.
- Apply a gentle polish periodically to maintain their reflective quality and enhance their shine.
- Check for any cracks or chips and repair them promptly to prevent further damage.