I particularly like your water features.

Very nice yard. You've put a lot of work into it. I liked a number of things, the square planters with the round middle, the spheres and the water features, great job,
Cindy

Wow, your work is awesome. I want to learn how to do this!

Do you have to use some kind of sealant on the birdbath and planters to get them to hold water?
Carol B - who knows nothing about hypertufa except that she likes it!

The cube planters have the plastic pots left inside. They're so cheap. The birdbaths have Thompson's water seal. I don't know if they really needed it tho. I'd love to make a HUGE saucer but haven't found a form. I tried wet sand but it didn't work well. They want over $200 for a saucer at the greenhouse. Has anyone tried a tv satelite dish?

I have tried a smaller satelite dish. I used a trash bag to cover the dish, next time I am going to try to use a spray adhesive and stick a heavier plastic to the dish, to reduce the lines that I got from the trash bag. I hope that makes sense!!
Carol

I made a bird bath using the lid from a large party tray from the super market. I formed the tufa on the outside of the turned right side up lid. I had to place the lid over a pile of wet sand to keep it from sagging in the middle. I made the mix somewhat dry to avoid slump. The bottom is about 1-1/2" thick and the sides are about 2". I didn't seal it. It holds water beautifully. I made the pedestal using [2] 3 litre plastic bottles [top and bottom removed] taped together with 1 rebar inserted. After the pedestal was dry I cut the plastic off and had to put a coat of thin crete over it. I made the base separately using a large plant saucer about 3" deep and used a 3 litre bottle filled with sand inserted in the base until it was dry. Worked beautifully. With the base and pedestal separate, it is much easier to handle and store. My daughter has it in the center of her flower bed.
Would like to show a picture but I'm supid at some things.

Can a styrofoam base be coated with tufa, and the base left inside?

We got styrofoam blocks [12"x19"] from Lowe's for free. They were packing for a load of trailers. We plan on making "rocks" and leaving it on the inside. We've talked to someone who beats them with a hammer to get them into shape and uses the chicken wire plan. Somewhere on this forum I saw pictures of someone who made great hollow "rocks". I remember a pic with someone standing on one. Now I can't find it. Anyone know how far back I have to go to find it?

maryo, Here's one by ltd123 . Not sure it's the specific one you're looking for.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hypertufa/msg1110243718466.html

anotherchris

That is EXACTLY it. Thanks alot. Inspiration. This is going to be fun.

I love your garden...it is so zen.