It is a well known fact that the English love to talk about the weather. Dr Samuel Johnson wrote in the eighteenth century "When two Englishmen meet, they first talk about the weather; they are in haste to tell each other, what each must already know, that it is hot or cold, bright or cloudy, windy or calm”.

Every English Garden - where ever it is - needs a weathervane in order to facilitate and carry on this tradition.

English Garden weathervanes allow you to note the direction of the wind and therefore the type of weather it might bring - and while it is easy to switch on the television or computer for a weather forecast - it is much more fun and more satisfying to look at your own weathervane and note the weather in your garden.

Weathervanes (sometimes called whirligigs or weathercocks) work because they balance on pivots and as the wind blows on them, they swing around and then the arrow shows you which direction the wind is coming from. Here in England if the wind comes from the north then you know your garden is in for some cold weather so get out there and protect your delicate plants!

There is a huge range of styles of English weathervanes but the most popular are those that have wild animals such as cockerels, foxes, pheasants, squirrels or rabbits on them. Usually they are made from cast iron but you can find them made out of copper or synthetic materials so they will suit all budgets.

To browse through a selection of weathervane designs try English Garden weathervanes for inspiration or more weathervanes for English Gardens .

They also make very good presents for family and friends.

Enjoy your garden!