Make these unique containers yourself.
Over time, the artificial stone beds will age and gather moss for added charm.
To make a planter that mimics hewn stone, handcraft your own using an artificial stone product called hypertufa.
Kritsada Panichgul.Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Made of a few simple ingredients, hypertufa planters are lightweight yet durable andmake perfect little container gardens.
Make several hypertufa pots and group them at different heights.
These pots work well for small plants that might otherwise get lost in the garden.
Ginny Weiler.Credit: Ginny Weiler
Mix fibers well so they don’t clump.
Slowly mix in water, paying close attention to the consistency of the mixture.
When the mixture has the consistency of mud, it’s ready.
Ginny Weiler.Credit: Ginny Weiler
If it’s crumbly, add a little more water.
If it’s sloppy, add the dry mix.
Spray mixture with water as needed to keep it moist while you work.
Ginny Weiler.Credit: Ginny Weiler
Step 3: Let Cure
Place the mold on plastic and completely wrap in plastic.
Let cure for two to three days.
Remove mold from plastic.
Robert Cardillo.Credit: Robert Cardillo
Remove the dowels then the planter from the mold.
A knife or chisel may be needed to loosen the mold.
Scrape outer edges as desired using a wire brush.
Andreas Trauttmansdorff.Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
Allow planter to dry and cure for at least four weeks outside but out of direct sunlight.
Your cured hypertufa can be left out in freezing temperatures as long as it is off the ground.
Once it’s cured, you’re ready to plant.
Allow container to dry.
Do not allow the garden to dry out.
Water it with diluted fertilizer once a month.
Over time, troughs develop mossy, weathered-looking character.
Keep the trough moist and shaded until moss develops.
Create your own hypertufa trough and start planting.
