Hypertufa: Artificial stone for landscaping – Part 1

Tufa is a form of limestone rock created naturally in some underwater springs where high calcium content is present. The calcium laden water meets with high alkaline water, the carbonates mix with the calcium and form calcium carbonates deposits. These porous deposits grow as the water continues to flow and great, impressive, natural art forms result.

Hypertufa is the man-made answer to art in our own gardens. By mixing portland cement and peat moss, the home gardener can create stone-like masterpieces cheaply and easily. Hypertufa is lighter than concrete and can be formed to create plants troughs, bird baths, artificial rock formations and practically any other stone-like creation you desire.

There are several recipes for making your own hypertufa mixture. If you are constructing an object, such as a bird bath, you need to use a recipe with sand as an added ingredient to make a good water tight bond. Using portland cement instead of a prepared cement mix will keep your projects lighter while still producing the same durability as solid concrete.

Here follows a tried and true recipe for making your own Hypertufa bird bath:

*3 buckets of portland cement

*3 buckets of sand

*3 buckets of peat moss

*powdered concrete dye (optional)

*a form for the stand and a form for the bowl

The form will need to be four sided. You can use polystyrene insulation, hard plastic pre-formed or wood forms for the stand of your bird bath. Once the mixture hardens you will need the capability of extracting your project by either hammering off the wood, or breaking the plastic. If you use the insulation and heavy duct tape, it will be much easier. For the water holding bowl section, I use old, heavy plastic plant saucers for a mold.

If your peat moss has a large amount of debris present, sift it through a screen first. Most bags purchased from home improvement stores will be fine enough to skip this process. Use gloves, safety glasses and dust mask while mixing the dry cement, sand and peat together thoroughly. (A wheelbarrow comes in very handy.) If you desire to add color, mix the dry powdered mix at this point. Add water gradually to mix. Be careful not to add too much at one time. Slowly add water, mix thoroughly and add more until your can squeeze a handful together and a few drops of water (not a stream of water) will escape.

Pack the mixture firmly in your mold, tamping down as you add to fill up any air pockets. On the top of your leg or stand form insert a pvc pipe or a metal rod for connecting to your water bowl. The bowl form will also need a hole for connection or use a smaller pvc inserted in the bottom of the bowl before adding your mixture. Cover the exposed top with plastic wrap or a garbage bag and let dry. Depending on your project, drying time will require from 48 hours to a week.

After the mixture dries, remove the plastic and the form. If any rough places are present, you can chisel them away or use a wire brush. Do not assemble the pieces at this time. Cover them with plastic again and place in a cool place to cure for about a month. Take the plastic off and move your project outdoors to finish curing for several more weeks. Rinse with hose several times to remove some of the alkalinity present. After curing outside, you are ready to assemble, fill with water and watch the thirsty birds gather.

Hypertufa is a fun way of adding art to your garden. If you want your new project to look aged, use an old paint brush to apply buttermilk on the outer sides. The buttermilk will encourage moss to grow within a few days.