How to Choose the Best Garden Wind Spinner
Once you’ve got the basics of your garden complete, you might want to start thinking about the finer, decorative details that you can add.
One possible option is a wind spinner. These structures add a decorative touch to the garden and come in a range of different styles. They can be relaxing and therapeutic to look at, as well as adding some dynamic, visual interest to your outside space.
Choosing the best garden wind spinner design will come down to personal preference a lot of the time, but there are other considerations to keep in mind that will affect its longevity, stability and function. We’ll take a look at these points in more detail below.
Choosing the Right Design
The wind spinner that you choose for your garden will naturally depend on your own style and design preferences. However, it’s worth talking about the different sorts of options available.
Spinners can rotate on either a horizontal or vertical axis, which creates a different type of aesthetic look. A spinner turning on a horizontal axis will result in a design that somewhat resembles a windmill. Spinners that use a vertical axis often have a more modern appearance.
There are also ‘rockers’ available, that don’t spin at all. These use the wind to create a bobbing, pendulum motion.
Some spinners are pushed into the ground with a stake, whilst others have a hanging hook. Hanging spinners are smaller, and more suitable for small gardens. They can also be installed in areas such as porches or patios.
You’ll also find that wind spinners come in a lot of different sizes. Certain standing models are quite large, perhaps larger than you would expect, and may overwhelm a small garden. Take note of the measurements carefully, and use a tape measure to help visualise the true size of the spinner before you buy it.
Taller wind spinners may catch the wind easily on still days, but they can also be less stable than shorter spinners due to their higher centre of gravity.
Construction Material
Metal wind spinners are often the most durable, but they need to be made of weather-resistant materials. The majority of metal wind spinners will be made from stainless steel because it is durable, inexpensive and doesn’t corrode. The spinning mechanism should last well without wearing out.
Wooden spinners are also available which have a more rustic appearance. They can often be painted as well, to fit in with specific colour schemes in the garden. As always, the main problem with wood is that it needs to be frequently treated to stop it from suffering from rot or insect infestations.
Finally, there are also many plastic spinners on the market. These aren’t particularly long lasting, but they can offer a cheap and easy way to add visual interest to the garden or house.
Extra Features
Wind spinners can be fitted with solar lights so that they add visual interest to the garden during both day and night.
This is something to consider if you like entertaining guests outside in summer, or just enjoy relaxing out there yourself in an ambient atmosphere.
For the most part, solar lights are extremely low maintenance, and small lights don’t require much sun at all to charge. You just need to make sure that the spinner is fitted with a rechargeable battery so that the solar power is stored until night.
Wind Spinner Maintenance
The specific maintenance for your wind spinner will depend on what material it is made from. However, there are some general pointers to bear in mind too:
- While wind spinners can be installed in windy areas, they shouldn’t be placed in areas that are too exposed, as very strong gales may cause damage.
- It a good idea to position your spinner so that it won’t be subjected to very intense sunlight for long periods. This may cause fading.
- Using a small amount of oil lubricant on the bearings may help the spinner turn better, particularly if it seems to have gotten a bit stiff.
Garden Wind Spinner FAQs
Do wind spinners scare birds?
Some wind spinners do scare birds, especially if they have a lot of moving arms. However, a lot of birds get used to spinners after a while. If you want to use the spinner to scare birds, you may need to move it frequently to try to keep them on their toes.
Do wind spinners make a noise?
Unlike wind chimes, wind spinners do not usually make a noticeable noise. However, some wind spinners have chimes attached, which should make a relaxing and gentle sound.
How can I make my garden wind spinner turn smoothly again?
Most garden spinners have bearings inside which help them turn smoothly. Sometimes, they can stick and affect how freely the spinner moves. Using a oil lubricant on the bearings will help them move better and allow the spinner to turn smoothly.