Hypertufa Gardens
I have read many articles on the subject and after getting over my initial fears have finally decided to try this for myself.
First the materials: 1 part peat moss, 2 parts perlite, 1 part portland cement, a pinch of vermiculite. (for small pot)
Before doing anything I chose the vessel I would be using as my mold. I wanted an eclectic feel to the pot so I choose bubble wrap I had sitting around as my plastic instead of just a plain sheet. (You can use cardboard boxes, baskets, pots, pans, bowls,old plastic flower hanging pots. Anything you want to mimic shape or texture)
Line your container with grocery or trash bags making sure printed side is facing away from the mixture as print may transfer. If you want to try a texture you can add moss, leaves, ferns, on the outside of container. Place mix over the material you wish to imprint.
I put the ingredients together and mixed them to the consistency of cottage cheese as specified by many. With two of my three cats sitting close by to supervise I started placing the mix into the mold.Press against sides so walls are approx 2" thick and add mix by hand to complete your pot. Cover loosely with plastic, in shady spot. Concensus is to let it sit in an ideal temp of between 45 and 85 degrees for 5-7 days. Remove from mold and using wire brush clean sides before letting it cure for another 5-7 days.
Tips: You can add some character to your pot by adding shells, river rock, tile, pottery bits or anything that you find interesting to the edge and/or interior. This would be ideal for a water feature or birdbath.
Day -7 mainly cloudy Wind SSE6km/h P.O.P.0%
Night -16 cloudy with snow 3.30cm Wind E22km/h P.O.P.73%
