ARTICLES

SIMULATED STONE TROUGHS OF HYPERTUFA

Types of forms

1-. Styrofoam containers
2-. Plastic pots or containers
3-. Wooden frames
4-. Styrofoam frames
5-. Cardboard boxes
6-. Sand molds		 Useful sizes

1-. 24''L x 14''W x 11''H
2-. 31''L x 16''W x 11''H
3-. 40''L x 18''W x 11''-12''H
*These sizes can vary slightly


List of essential tools

1. Form or mold for trough
2. Plastic sheets
3. Measuring cup (min. 4 cup capacity)
4. Potable hard surface covered in plastic (plywood)
5. Wire mesh (1/4” x _”)
6. Fibermesh
7. Large mixing container
8. Gloves
9. Spatulas
10. Mixing trowel or any other utensil
11. Wire brushes
12. Colorant, if desired
13. Sieve for rubbing through peat (1/4” x 3/8”)
14. Small propane torch
15. Goggles
16. PVC pipe for drainage hole


Hypertufa mixes
A) Granite Look-I

1 part perl/verm
1 part cement
2 parts peat		 B) Porous Tufa-Like

1 part sand
1 part cement
2 parts peat		 C) Limestone Look

1 part sand
1 part cement
1 part peat
D) Granite Look-II

3 parts perl/verm
3 parts peat
2 parts cement		 E) Sandstone Look

1 _ parts sand
1 part cement
1 _ parts peat

  
Approximate quantity for size #1: 10 quarts per part
All parts measured by volume



TREATMENT OF TROUGH

  1. Brush with stiff wire brush to remove sharp edges & smooth look of poured concrete.

  2. Score sides with chisel or knife

  3. Allow to dry slowly in a shaded spot 3-4 weeks.

  4. Expose to several rainfalls or treat with a strong solution of water and permanganate of potash (1/2 oz. of crystals to 3 gal. of water) fill with solution and let stand 24 hrs.



TROUGH PLANTING

Important Elements:

1- SITING: Alpines need open sunny location
-patios
-front of walls
-along paths
-atop low walls

Shade-loving need open shade; avoid very hot sun
2- ROCKS: Aesthetically pleasing
Practical -water retentive
-maintain cool root runs
-plants love growing at base of rocks

3-CONIFERS: Living architecture for miniature gardens
Complete miniature landscapes
4- PLANTS – TYPES: a) small & slow growing-whole scale should be kept down
b) those that trail downwards
c) form carpets
d) few upright-provide dimension
5- MULCH: Aesthetically pleasing
Practical-prevents soil erosion
Retards evaporation
Keeps soil cool in summer, warm in winter
6- SOIL: General mixes:
a) 3 parts loam
2 parts peat moss
1 part coarse sand



b) 2 parts loam
1 leaf mold
1 part sand
1 part perlite/vermiculite
  note: Soil can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the plants-e.g. more peat for shade plants, etc.
MAINTENANCE: After planting, water often but in small volumes. Mix complete, slow release fertilizer in soil mix or with liquid feed (fish emulsion) at planting time and/or May & June.
RECORD KEEPING: Use attractive markers Draw diagram in small cards & mark names and location of plants plus other information. Take photos from time to time.



PLANTS FOR TROUGHS

ANDROSACE SP.
AQUILEGIA SP.
CAMPANULA SP.
DIANTHUS SP.
DRABAS
ERIGERON SP.
GENTIANA SP.
GERANIUMS
LEWISIAS
PENSTEMON SP.
PHLOX


 		POTENTILLA sp.
PRIMULA SP.
RAOULIA SP.
SAPONARIA SP.
SAXIFRAGA SP.
SEMPERVIVUMS
SILENE ACAULIS
THLASPI SP.
VERONICA SP.
VITALIANA PRIMULIFOLIA
SHRUBS
RHODODENDRON SP.
SALIX RETICULATA (WILLOWS)
SALIX RETUSA
HEBE 'CARL TECHNER'
GENISTA DELPHINENSIS (BROOM)
GENISTA SAGITTALIS
DAPHNE SP. (LOW GROWING TYPES)
BETULA SP, (BIRCH) (DWARF SP.)
COTTONEASTER SP. 		CONIFERS
JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS 'COMPRESM'
JUN. COM. 'ECHINIFORMIS'
JUN. HORIZONTAUS 'BLUE MAT'
ABIES BALSAMEA 'NANA'
A.B. 'PROSTATA'
CHAMAECYPARIES OBTUSA 'NANA GRACILIS'
C. PISIFERA NNANA'
PICEA GLAUCA 'ECHINIFORMIS'
P. ABIES 'LITTLE GEM'
PINUS MUGO 'PAUL'S DWARF'
P. STROBUS 'CONTORTA'
P. STROBUS 'NANA'
MICROMERIA SP.

 

Resources

Alpines Garden Society
AGS Centre, Avon Bank, Pershore, Worcestershire, WRIO3JP, UK

North American Rock Garden Society
P.O. Box 67, Milkwood, NY, 10546, USA

Books on Troughs
Handbook on Troughs...available from the NARG Society
Alpines in Sinks and Troughs / by Joe Elliot...available from AGS
Miniature Gardens / by Joachim Carl.,.-Timber Press Inc. ISBN 0-88192-164-5
Creating and Planting Garden Troughs / by Fingerut and Murfit
BB Mackey Bookd (July 99)

 


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