Hypertufa Trough – You Could Make Your Own

  • Post published:04/03/2012
  • Post comments:3 Comments
Troughs at Smith College

Hypertufa is a concrete and peat moss mixture used to make garden troughs and ornaments.  Hypertufa troughs are often used for succulent or alpine plant collections and can be a charming and useful element in the garden. You can make your own. I am not sure how Smith College made their troughs, but hypertufa is a great DYI project.

Not being very adventurous in the craft area I am happy that the Bridge of Flowers committee has organized a hypertufa workshop scheduled for Saturday, April 14 from 1-4 pm at the Trolley Museum in Shelburne Falls.  Here is the description of the workshop:

The Bridge of Flowers is offering a hypertufa workshop at the Trolley Museum in Shelburne Falls  on Saturday, April 14, from 1-4 pm  led by Carol Lively. Participants will make two small hypertufa planting containers, one for themselves, and one for the Bridge of Flowers Plant Sale. The cost of $20 covers the cost of materials which will all be provided. There is no other cost. Participants should bring a cardboard box or other item to use as a mold for their container.

Hypertufa is a mixture of Portland concrete, peat moss, vermiculite and sand. Carol Lively will help participants shape a container using a box, or other container desired as a mold. The container will then need to cure and dry for four weeks or so before being used.  Participants should wear old clothes, and bring heavy duty rubber gloves, the mold of your choice, a board to hold the container while it dries and a black plastic garbage bag.. To information or to sign up for the  workshop call Pat Leuchtman 413-337-4316. Your garden and the Bridge of Flowers will both benefit.

Let me know if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity for you and your own garden – and to help support the Bridge of Flowers.

Another Smith College trough

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Layanee

    I just made a few for the gravel garden. They are not yet planted but soon. I hope your workshop is a great success.

  2. Flaneur

    These troughs are fantastic, Pat! They look like something you’d find while exploring ruins in Ireland or Scotland. I’m curious – approximately what are the dimensions of the two troughs shown in your first photo? I’m intrigued by their potential.

  3. Pat

    Layanee – I am looking forward to this – and to selling some at the Bridge. We have promises of some succulents and sedums.
    Flaneur – those troughs are pretty big, between 2 and 3 feet and a foot wide. I am going to make smaller troughs.

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