Almost forgotten but making it’s grand re-entrance into the world of gardening is the beautiful gazing globe. Though the reflective, colorful globe might seem "odd" to some folks, the gazing ball is rich in history and legend. The globe sports many names, depending on its use. The Garden Ball, Gazing Globe and Garden Globe are all names we call them in modern times. It’s been referred to as a Witch Ball, Butler Globe, Globe of Happiness and Victorian Ball.

Its history, as colorful as the ball itself, had its roots in the 13th century when it was made in Venice, Italy by skilled craftsmen. It was hand-blown then just as it is still done today. Antonio Nier, a fifteenth century priest, called it a Sphere of Light and, as time passed, the colorful ball became a permanent fixture in the European garden and home. King Ludwig II, King of Bavaria during the 1800’s, adorned his palace, a replica of Versailles, with the globe.

Legends formed about the mysterious powers of the ball. A globe was said to bring happiness, good luck and prosperity to those who owned it. The globe was known to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, illness and, of all things, witches!

The ball is purposed to keep witches away but the methods vary from story to story. Some say the ball should be placed near the entrance to the house so that if a witch came to your house she would not be able to get past her reflection as she cannot tear herself away from her own image. There are other accounts that say a witch cannot bear to see her own reflection so she will not come near a "witch’s ball". A witch cannot sneak up on a person gazing into a globe as he can see if a witch approaches from behind. The smaller ball made of colored glass as opposed to the reflective kind was believed to attract and trap evil spirits.

Spiritually speaking, as one peers into the globe he can experience "oneness" with the universe, a basic existentialistic view.

The gazing globe had practical purposes in a southern antebellum garden. Placed strategically by the path from the front gate, southerners could see from the veranda who was calling before the caller could see them, allowing plenty of time to prepare refreshments for their guest or to hide — whichever was fitting. In Victorian times, the "Butler Ball" served as a mirror for servants to see when guests were needing assistance without staring at them throughout the meal. Another practical use was in the foyer of the home. Parents could keep a close eye on their daughter and her date as he bid her goodnight.

Quality globes, such as the ones we carry, will last for many years with proper treatment. The most important thing to remember is the seal at the neck of the ball should never be loosened or removed. The color of the ball is on the inside of the glass. If moisture were to ever get into the globe the reflective color would peel off. Gazing globes should be taken inside during winter to keep them from freezing and cracking. Although rain does not harm the ball in any way, a violent storm may send tree limbs flying and crack the glass.