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Friday, March 13, 2009

Hunt for Hypertufa


This morning my friend Kim and I will go on a hunt for hypertufa containers. Kim is the flower show chairperson for the Nathan Hale Garden club and one of the classes in the show will incorporate dish gardens. Ideally, we'd like to find 4 matching hypertufa containers for this class.

These two photos were taken at Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, New York. Hypertufa is a mix of cement, peat-moss and sand. The containers look like they are solid concrete but are actually light enough to be able to move around.

I've read dozens of articles on how to make hypertufa but just haven't had the time to put together all the ingrediants to try it here.

Our hunt will take us to Hicks Nursery which coincidently is opening their flower show and spring exhibit today. I can't wait to get back and share some fresh photos with all of you!

Wish us luck on finding the right containers.

Melanie

15 comments:

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Good Luck with the hunt Melanie !
I would really like to have at least one myself .. can you mail me one girl ?? LOL ... can you imagine the postage on that thing ? haha

Melanie Chopay said...

Hi Joy, good luck with your new blog! Yup, the postage on these would be insane. Kim and I found on-line sites with hypertufa but really want to find it here on Long Island. I really hope we find something good today.

garden girl said...

Hi Melanie, suddenly last summer they were everywhere around here, although pricey compared to similar-sized clay pots. I'd hoped to find one on clearance at the end of the season but any leftovers I found were still selling at full price.

I hope you find the perfect containers for your project!

Dave said...

I've never made a hypertufa container but they look really neat. Someday I'll make an attempt at one! Good luck in your search!

Anonymous said...

Hypertufa containers? Maybe I have those in my garden ... I hope you'll find yours.

Sheila said...

I've been contemplating getting a hypertufa container myself. They are so lovely with little rock gardens in them. Good luck and I look forward to your photos from the show!

Anonymous said...

I'm a new visitor. Beautiful photos.

The hypertufa process is a messy one, at least for me. And it takes advance planning and commitment. If you can set aside several hours and have all your supplies beforehand, it will go smoothly. I can understand the hesitation. It took me a long time to get up the nerve.

I hope you find what you're looking for without breaking the bank. (That's already been done.) :)

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Hi,
I guess they are not hard to make. I keep thinking I will make one but I still haven't done it yet. I would be interested to know how much they sell for?(-:

Lona said...

I have always wanted to try to make the hypertufa planters too but never got around to it. They look like they are old or been around for years too. We will all be looking forward to your pictures.

micki said...

Hi Melanie,

When is the show/classes? I would love to attend, is it open to the public or just for members?

Micki

Melanie Chopay said...

Ah ha! I'm back from my trip with lots of goodies! No hypertufa containers but Kim and I found an excellent substitute.

Right now it's too cold to take my purchases outside to photograph but I'll try to do so tomorrow so I can share them with all of you.

Micki, we'd love to have you come see our show. The flower show won't be until June 12th & 13th at the Kissam House on Park Avenue in Huntington Village. I'll be sure to post more information before then. Stay tuned, I often post about events in our area and even open gardens here at my place.

Gail said...

I have three but would love to have more. I have in mind a nice sized one ...But will probably mean making a form. Are you considering building a form? Wouldn't a class with a few friends be wonderful! gail

Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery said...

I made a small hypertufa container at hosta college quite a few years ago. It has weathered well and looks good in the garden. I haven't made any more at home even though I had the 'recipe' hanging on the refrigerator for most of last summer. I think the worst part is lugging the cement home.
Jane

candyj said...

Hi All, I really like this Blog. Very nice photos. Just and FYI ....no pressure. I am a SC Licensed Nursery specializing in succulents, but i also make hypertufa containers. I am able to accept custom orders and will ship anywhere in the US.

I do not have much in the way of hypertufa on my website at the moment as I am getting ready for the Spring Plant and Flower Show this coming week. But If anyone is interested in learning more please feel free to e-mail me at cengel@verdegarden.com.

Kim Smith said...

Hope you finally found or made a hypertufa. These photos are really beautiful. I have made quite a few of my own and want to interest other people in making them. It is not as hard as you might think.