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| Hypertufa Stone Creations |
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| Before the introduction of metals, sinks and feeding troughs were made from a mined stone called TUFA. Alpine gardeners were the first to discover the benefits of using such containers for their temperamental plantings.
After metal became the favored material for making sinks and troughs, mining of TUFA stone ceased, and the same alpine gardeners searched for materials to replicate the TUFA stone. What became dubbed as HYPERTUFA was their recipe of cement, peat moss, sand, vermiculite and perlite, in exact measurements. |
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HYPERTUFA containers have long been popular in Europe, but they are rare in the United States and very costly if you can find them! One reason for the relatively-high cost is that each piece is handmade.
Superior to terra-cotta, plastic or regular cement planters, HYPERTUFA planters are very porous, allowing excellent air circulation to the plant's root system and making them excellent receptacles for most types of container plants. Roots of some plants actually attach to the material and grow right into the container! |
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Because of the method used in making HYPERTUFA pieces, they resemble aged, weathered stone. Their natural look makes a beautiful addition to your ornamental pond or garden art collection and graces your home or garden with a look of time-worn distinction.
Most of the HYPERTUFA containers you will find resemble a square, gray trough (the original design used by the Alpine gardeners) and are usually large and heavy. T hrough a great deal of trial and error, experimentation etc. I have discovered a wide variety of uses and designs for HYPERTUFA, including Bonsai pots, orchid pots, strawberry jars, hanging baskets, wall pockets, bird feeders and baths, Japanese lanterns, bromeliad pots, reptile houses and (oh yes!) regular round and square, large and small planting containers. I make a wonderful "Rock Pot" by forming HYPERTUFA in the shape of a rock with a hollowed-out pocket for your plant. |
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I have also developed a way to color our pieces (to vary from the usual gray) from green to terracotta to brown to patina, and every shade in between. I also use antique bronze and antique gold finishes. The results are beautiful, with each piece made being distinctly ONE OF A KIND.
I sell (for the creative type) a HYPERTUFA mix in both 11-pound and 5-pound quantities with complete instructions for creating your own HYPERTUFA art. You will cultivate your imagination while making these wonderful pieces. The uses are endless and the creativity involved is extremely satisfying. The cost per finished piece, when making your own, is comparatively inexpensive. (I found one trough-type piece in a garden catalog that sold for $40.00 - and that company is always SOLD OUT OF IT!) |
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Once you own or make a HYPERTUFA piece, I promise you will be hooked!
I am proud of my work and am amazed to find how everything I plant simply thrives in HYPERTUFA. (Believe me, I have planted everything from cactus to roses.)
I have lectured and taught workshops in Texas and Louisiana, at major metropolitan arboretums and gardens. I continue to do so, sharing my knowledge, experience and ideas to wonderfully-receptive students. |
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| I strive to make a quality product at an affordable price and welcome any questions or suggestions.
If you are interested in a custom-designed piece, please contact me so we can discuss your needs. |
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