Be creative with concrete

CONCRETE is so easy to make and mould that it is no surprise gardeners use it for everything from flower pots to furniture.

Potty time

To make a large, square pot create a sturdy mould using exterior grade plywood, or cardboard boxes if you are happy with a rougher, more rustic look.

You will need a large box for the outside and a smaller one for the inside so the walls are about 5cm thick – you will probably need to fabricate the card or plywood so you get the desired size. Once done, decorate the pot rim with mosaic tiles to add some interest.

Mix it up

REMOVE salt deposits on clay pots by scrubbing them with a mixture parts made from equal white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water.

The type of concrete that is ideal for making a pot is hypertufa. It is a lightweight style of concrete and is also used for rockery stones.

It is made by mixing the dry ingredients of two parts Portland cement, 1.5 parts sifted peat moss, two parts perlite, half a part builder’s sand.

Mix it in a wheelbarrow and add enough water to dampen it sufficiently so it can be moulded into shape.

Make an impression

Patterns can be easily pressed into wet concrete to brighten what can be a dour material. One idea is to scour your borders for leaves that can be used to make decorative stepping stones.

Leaves from hollyhocks and hostas make good stamps as their shape and veins are prominent and show up clearly.

Oil the leaves before placing them upside down on the wet concrete. Weigh them down with pebbles so there is enough weight to form a strong imprint.