Hypertufa
The History
Hypertufa is a lightweight concrete made from Portland cement, peat moss and other aggregates like sand, perlite or vermiculite (my favorites).
The history is interesting. For hundreds of years tufa rock was used in Ireland and England to carve animal watering troughs. Then folks started using it for gardening, especially alpine type gardens. After the supply of tufa started to diminish folks looked for a way to make it. Since tufa was created with limestone deposits and plant matter, the formula of Portland cement (made from limestone and clay) and peat moss and sand became a viable alternative.
Today, hypertufa seems to be rather well known in the northern parts of the US. Probably was discovered that hypertufa stands up to a variety of weather conditions. We in the South have just started paying attention to the possibilities.
As we always tell our students... "Your life will
change after discovering Hypertufa, you'll look at junk and see planter molds or
yard art. Old bowls start looking like hypertufa molds. Even Styrofoam packing
becomes an armature. You'll start saving boxes for planter troughs. Garage
Saleing will never be the same! Even tools come from junk!
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