Thanks Sharon! This is exactly the procedure I'll do, I won't make it round, I like the idea of rock shaped, but I could easily do this, after years of making paper mache things I also love that it doesn't have to "cure" for several weeks
I'll let ya'll know when I'm working on this one!

When you said 'soccer ball', bingo. I remembered that article.

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures.

Alright we'll see! Don't know exactly how I'll modify it yet, but I know it'll work!

I love the idea of a big rock with pockets too. That would be awesome! Hypertufa can get pretty heavy if you make big objects. And keep in mind that it needs to cure slowly. If you built something big out in the sun and it dries fast, it will probably crack. Sharon has the right idea that large projects also need some kind of armature. Chicken wire works well and is pretty flexible to mold to your desired shape.

woofie said:Hmmmm, indeed! Are you thinking about building in place, or forms for something you could move? Regardless, definitely a "Hmmmmmm!"

I could go either way with that. Eventually I want someone to build a big old terraced concrete mega structure out there..... $$$$$$$$.........

Sharon said:Look at this, Greg: http://garden.org/ideas/view/r...

Not hypertufa, but close.

This is pretty cool, too. Not for my current building project, but perfect for Garden Art!

Sharon said:I'm thinking about building a huge rock, one that has crevices for plants. We don't have big rocks around here, have to buy them and I refuse to buy a rock. Expensive as well.

But if you made an armature in the shape you wanted and added the hypertufa over it, then voila'! A big rock. An armature with some kind of strong screening or hardware cloth over it should work.

And this sounds cool, too.

With one project in mind, I came asking questions.
Now I am up to THREE projects!!!

Its funny how that works huh!!

Oh yeah - that stuff is addicting. As bad as plants!

crittergarden said:Is this the right place to ask if hypertuffa will not crack in zone 5?
I need to know before I go building a bunch!

I visited a beautiful Hosta Garden that had many hypertufa planters which contained their collection of mini hosta. They were so impressive to us as they lasted many years outdoors in our zone 5 winters. We later attended a demonstration which included a copy of their hypertufa recipe. I'm passing it on wishing you the same success.

Thanks Susan...definately going to make something!