English trough class

English Trough - Hypertufa Class

It's Saturday and my husband and I (mostly him) loaded up the Suburban and headed over the WCTC so I could hold my class on making English troughs, better known as hypertufa. The sun is shinig and doing this projects helps us get a jump on spring. 

Suburban looking pretty full

I need my husband to help me with this because Portland cement only comes in 94 pound bags - that's why this is a great class to take since once you open the bag moisture in the air or from the garage floor can be enough to make the whole bag harden.

Mixing tray, masks, gloves, fiberglass mesh, water jug, spray adhesive, plastic bags- supplies and mixing station.

Large bags of Peat moss, vermiculite, perilite, and Portland cement. One part cement to three parts other materials.

Dishpan used as mold and the completed hypertufa.

Making Hypertufa

Materials:

Portland Cement – Keep wrapped until ready to use

Sifted Peat Moss

Perilite

Vermiculite

Poly Fibers

Water

Mold – Box, bowl, flowerpot, etc. (Avoid things with straight sides.)

Mold liner – heavy plastic

Mixing container – sturdy watertight container that is large enough to hold ingredients and have room to spare for mixing.

Dust mask – Cement dust is extremely fine and remains dusty until completely wet.

Sturdy gloves- Wear gloves at all times while working with the ingredients.

Sturdy work surface and drop clothes.

Newspaper or towels for cleanup.

Optional:         Cement colorant

1” thick foam board to fit inside box to form legs by cutting a 2” square

                                    From each corner

                        Materials for texturizing the outside of the form – leaves, bubble wrap, etc.

                        Shells, stones, or other embellishments to decorate with

                        Nail or stick to form drainage holes

Directions:

Prepare box by inserting lid flaps inside to stabilize.  If you wish to make legs on your base, insert foam piece into box.  Line the box with large plastic bag or plastic sheet.  The liner will help retain moisture in the hypertufa pot as it cures and helps keep the box intact while it dries.  If you wish to texturize the outside of the container by adding leaves or flowers, now is the time to set it up.  Use spray glue to adhere the botanicals to the plastic.

Put on your dusk mask and gloves. Gently pour the hypertufa mixture into the mixing container. Three parts organics to one part Portland cement. Add the cement and mix gently keeping dust to a minimum.  Add colorant if desired.  Slowly add about ¾ water.  Mix very thoroughly and use as little water as possible to make a workable mixture.  Do not allow the mixture to become soggy or it will not be able to stick to the sides of the mold.  As you mix, test mixture.  When squeezed it should remain in a ball, then it’s ready.  If it becomes too wet, add a little peat or vermiculite or let it sit for about 15 minutes and it may thicken.