The Saga of the LARGE Hypertufa Planter

What do these things remind you of?

Hello:

I would like to create a LARGE  rectangle shaped hypertufa planter. I am thinking of using concrete blocks as a form.. If I form a rectangle with the concrete blocks, can I apply the hypertufa to the outside to give the illusion of the whole thing being hypertufa? If so, will the hypertufa adhere to the blocks? What preparation would i need to do?  Any info you could give me would be appreciated!!!

Thank You!!!

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Hello:

Thanks for visiting my site.

This sounds like a great idea. I can think of a couple times I wish that I had thought of it myself. I don't know if you are planning on using mortar to put the blocks together or not. But if you just plan on stacking them I don't think you should go much further than about three high.

If I was doing it I think I would put about 2 inches thickness of tufa inside and out. I would probably use white glue on the blocks both in and outside. Wet them down first and then paint on the glue, if it seems a bit thick thin it with water I don't think you need a real heavy coat. After you've done this, you just go ahead and plaster on the Hypertufa. If you're doing a huge area and you think the glue might dry before you get the tufa on it might be an idea to just do a couple of feet at a time. You have to be the judge of this.

You can make some really nice effects on the outside, maybe make up some stamps to press some shapes into it. You could cut them out of wood and then press them into the final coat of Tufa. Be sure to coat your stamp with some engine oil before you use it. Other thing is a you can't use it more than once, clean off any tufa may be stuck to it re-coat with oil before you use it again. Don't try to press the mold in more than about a quarter of an inch.

Good luck and please send some pictures when you're done I would like to see how it works out.

If you don't mind out what your question along with my reply on my website. I'll leave your name out for privacy.

Thanks, Del

And then a bit more....

Thank you for the info!  Some stamps on the final coat would look very nice also! I actually was thinking of mixing some moss and buttermilk solution to add to the planter once it's finished. Give it an old looking appearance! Darn, now I hope for an early Spring!!!
I will send some pics of the finished product!! I'm excited and I think it will work!
Yes, you may use my question with your reply and appreciate that you don't use my name or e mail addy!! thanks

Thanks for your help,
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My reply....

Thanks for the permission:

The buttermilk thing is a good idea.  I have done it but with limited success. 

Not to try to discourage you but I think you need to live where moss grows naturally and the planter (and the moss) should be in limited sunlight. 

Just like where you would find moss in the forest.

Probably an hour or so a day is all moss can stand in even in a damp climate like the Pacific NW. 

If you have Hotsa's growing well then you may have a chance with the moss.

The Best of Luck,  Del

And then this.....

My backyard must be like the forest!!!!  I"ve got moss growing everywhere!! lol.. not really sure why, because its not total shade... lol

Thanks! :)

I am sure she will be happy whit the results of her labor – although the moss may take a little longer than she would like. Funny thing about moss – it grows fast when you don't want it, like in your lawn, but when you want to cultivate it it is painfully slow. (or it seems that way to me)