Hypertufa Garden Art

Hypertufa (from the Latin hyper (over, excessively) and tufus (crumbly volcanic stone), is a lightweight manmade stone intended as a substitute for natural Tufa rock. Natural Tufa rock is a porous cellular rock found in limestone rich areas and has for centuries been hollowed out and carved for sinks, bath tubs, animal troughs, planters, decorative stepping stones and so on.

Hypertufa is made of several different aggregates and mixed with portland cement. It looks like rock, can be cast into almost any shape, is environmentally friendly, very lightweight and can also withstand harsh weather conditions. It is primarily used as garden art and is fairly easy and fun to make. Hypertufa creations are very durable and will last many years with no care.

Here are some answers:

• Lighter than concrete
• Won't crack like plastic, clay and ceramic
• can withstand harsh weather conditions (No need to bring them in for the winter)
• Last for many years
• Retains moisture, so plants thrive even with less frequent watering
• Drains well
• Create mini landscapes in them that can be left outside all year
• Looks great
• Plants love them
• You can make it at home

Hypertufa can be cast into a variety of shapes which, when dry, can resemble ancient stone or aged concrete. There are a number of different recipes to produce hypertufa. Which will you choose depends on what end result you are desiring - Lightweight? More durable? Want to carve it?...and so on. Hypertufa offers almost limitless possibilities of garden ornaments that can be made. You are limited only by your imagination.

If you really want to learn the art of Hypertufa, see how to make hypertufa.