Making your own stepping stones for your garden  or for a great looking path to your storage shed is easy and a lot cheaper than buying them.

Tips for what you need for that special garden project.

TIME: approximately 15 to 30 minutes per stone.

 COST: approximately $1.00 per stepping stone, 40 cents per Edging Stone

MATERIALS: • Wheelbarrow or all-purpose plastic utility tub.

 • 60# bag of either pre-mix concrete or mortar mix.

 • Shovel or small garden spade.

 • Rubber or latex gloves.

• Dust mask, particularly if working indoors without ventilation.

• Plastic sheeting.

• Mold release. Liquid vegetable oil such as canola and safflower.

Optional: Iron oxide pigments. Add to wet concrete, a few tablespoons of the pigments to turn gray into shades of red, buff, brown and green.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

 • One 60# bag of concrete yields approx. 3 Stepping Stones or 7-10 Edging Stones

• Do not use PAM or other sprays as a mold release;  they don’t cover evenly or thick enough.

STEP   1.

             First, Take an inexpensive paintbrush and “paint” the inner part of the mold with oil, making sure to get oil into small crevices, then removing any excess with a paper towel or dry paintbrush.

Next, measure out dry concrete or mortar mix in a  clean wheelbarrow or utility tub. For square stepping stone molds, use approximately 7 1/2 quarts of dry concrete (before the addition of water); for round molds, 6 quarts dry. Edging Stone molds will require approximately 3 quarts dry concrete or mortar   mix.

Add water slowly, stirring well between additions. Now you are going to make the mixture like you are making muffin or brownie batter and “ridges” should form when a stick or paddle is run through. If the mixture  is so runny that these ridges don’t appear, add a little more dry concrete.

If using iron oxide pigments, add now.  Generally, 3-4 tablespoons pigment per step stone and  1 1/2 tablespoons per Edging Stone stone will produce  a pleasing saturation. Don’t add extra iron oxide pigment as the colors will appear muted while  the concrete is still wet, but, do take notes on how much is used so that the color can be duplicated or tweaked in future pours.

STEP 2.

Fill mold just enough to cover the design surface about 1/4″ to 1/2″ with concrete. Just like making a cake, you want to remove most of or all the air bubbles from your batter as it will make pockmarks on the finished surface. Lift one side of the mold slightly and tap lightly up and down. Remember you are not hitting a grand slam in baseball here so gently tapping with usually a wooden stick or as I do with a “fish bonker” on all four sides. You DON’T  want to hit hard as you might crack the edges of the mold. Just a gentle vibration will do. Then fill the mold the rest of the way, and gently tapping again when you’re desired level is accomplished.

STEP 3.

Cover with the plastic sheeting and set in a cool dry level location for two days before removing from the mold. It is ideal to make your mold the peanut butter in a sandwich of plywood when you flip out your mold. This takes undue stress from the corners of your molds. Allow your unmolded stepping stone to cure for another week before placing it in the ground.

NOTE:

Moderate temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s (degrees F) are ideal for curing concrete. During periods of extreme heat or
cold, cure stones in a basement or insulated garage.

 More questions? You can always e-mail at blmoralesa45@gmail.com and I will try my best to answer them all.

Do you know what the difference is between cement and concrete?

Cement is actually one component of concrete. Cement is a “fine gray powder of calcined limestone and clay”, mixed with water and gravel (aggregate) to produce concrete or mixed with water and sand to make mortar.

Here are a couple of choices you may have;

•Quick-Setting Concrete -  available at hardware or home improvement stores. I used the cheapest Quikrete.  While it worked just fine for us and the price was right, it was a little pebbly and  next time I will spend a little more money to buy a slightly better grade. I made 5 stones and didn’t even use  half of the bag. Remember when you are filling stepping stone molds, the top will be smooth but, the pebbles will filter to the bottom where you’re details usually are.

•Stepping Stone Concrete – You can find this concrete mixture at crafts stores. It is made especially for use in stepping stones.  This is bit spendy though; the average cost was about $5 to make 1 stone. This special concrete might be more worth your while if you are only planning on making 1 or 2 stones.

Add water slowly, stirring well between additions. The mixture should be the consistency of muffin or  brownie batter and “ridges” should form when a stick or paddle is run through. If the mixture  is so runny that these ridges don’t appear, add a little  more dry concrete.

For square stepping stone molds, use approximately 7 1/2 quarts of dry concrete (before the addition of water);   for round molds, 6 quarts dry. Edging Stone molds will require approximately 3 quarts dry concrete or mortar  mix.

A beautiful addition for your Rose Garden

Please enjoy this guest post by Drew.

Creating a beautiful backyard oasis is easy when you incorporate a few landscaping tips into your design that will help create the paradise you want.  Without knowing a few do’s and don’ts, you could end up with a nightmare of yard work around your pool.  An above ground pool offers many hours of family enjoyment and a great place to entertain friends. It will also increase the value of your property, and with the right landscaping, could be a good selling point should you decide to move.

A tropical feeling is always welcomed and relaxing, whether it surrounds an above ground pool, in-ground, or spa pool.  Do plan on planting a few palm of various sizes.  They provide a tropical atmosphere almost instantly in a pool or patio landscape. They will also provide a screen from nosey neighbors, increase privacy, and reduce noise level.

You will also want to create an ambiance around your pool with solar or low-voltage lighting. The lights should be kept at a minimal for the effect you want to achieve. There are some beautiful solar designs on the market that can edge a walkway to the pool, encircle a deck area, or just create a relaxed evening mood by the patio.  The energy won’t cost a penny, and the lights will provide years of evening ambiance.

Do choose a few landscape rocks and place them strategically on your lawn.  Cap rocks or boulders can be used instead of concrete. Some can be used as stepping stones around your pool that lead to smaller rock beds.  Audio speakers that resemble rocks can be also be placed around the pool area, enhancing your stereo sound system.

Be careful not to plant any plants around your pool that shed leaves or other debris throughout the year, for obvious reasons. If you live in an area prone to high winds where foliage or flowers could blow into the pool water, avoid them completely in your landscaping scheme. You should also stay away from using mulch around the pool as it can be tracked easily into the water.

Don’t plant flower beds or plants near the pool run-off water. Plants do not like chlorine or salt water, and you will find yourself replanting the water-damaged plants. You will also want to avoid plants that attract bees or other insects that could be bothersome while you are using the pool. Certain types of flowers attract bees, and though they may not be aggressive, guests will feel threatened by their presence.

Do choose flowers that attract butterflies. They are a welcome species and will help relax your guests and lend to the tropical feeling of your outdoor pool.

Green plants that hold their beaty year-round are always nice additions to a pool area.  They keep the area beautified , and depending on the region, will remain green most of the year. Green shrubbery around above ground pools is also an excellent landscaping choice. Choose those with some height in order to edge the pool or deck area.

Landscaping can also provide a screen to the pool pump area and where you keep your pool cleaning supplies.  There are a variety of landscaping choices available that will help screen this area from guests and help create a poolside paradise.  When you install an above ground pool, the landscaping possibilities are wide open and depend on your own personal tastes. Incorporating these ideas with your own, can help you create just the beautiful oasis you want to create and come home to after a long day at work.

Of course, I received the speech about being responsible for feeding and care. Plus, the fact I had no halter, bridle, saddle etc. etc.

After assuring my parents that with what I had so far saved I could, at least, purchase a halter and maybe a brush or two.  There still was the fact to catch the pony, then getting it the approximately 6 miles home. It was stated quite plainly,  that my father was not putting a wild pony into his truck. But, as my parents stated, one step at a time. You have to catch it first.

I pondered this for many days until my mother stated “How do you get the cats to come for their dinner?”  FOOD – was the answer.  Carrots and apples started disappearing from the cold celler, along with some oats from the bin in the barn. The horses got to know when I would peddle my bike up the long laneway or to stop my pestering, my dad would give me a ride. Dad gave me a little molasses to put on the oats. I think we really hit their sweet tooth there. They started watching for us and would come running. They seemed to know our timeclock. As the pony that I wanted was about a two year old, she was quite shy.  As the older ones accepted the gifts from my hand, she started to approach for a goodie of her own. If I was not home, my parents knew where I was. I usually left a note or told one or the other where I was going. Sometimes as dark was falling, I could see my dad’s truck coming up the laneway to get his daughter.

A friend of the family gave me a pony halter. It was used and old but it was gold to me. With the help of my dad we eventually got the halter on my little pony and with time and patience trained her to accept it and to be led around. Lets face it, when you get an extra treat, it’s maybe OK.

It just so happened that my Aunt Helen and Uncle Don were visiting one weekend, and the topic of how I was going to get my pony home came up in the conversation.  I guess my aunt didn’t realize how far it was, when she offerred to help me walk it home. It was a pretty hot day that Saturday and after a very long walk, we made it home. I’m not sure who was more tired – my aunt, me, or the pony.

I had worked on making up a stall for weeks, for my prize. There was a little section beside the pig pen in the barn that wasn’t, at the time, being used.  Over the next few days, my dad noticed that my pony “Luchea” liked to play with the hook on her pen door. Just bored and lonely after being in the wild, I guess.

A few weeks later, my dad had picked me up from school one day and upon entering the yard, we were greeted with 400 plus pigs roaming through the bean field, the corn field and my mother’s garden. Dad stopped the truck and the first words out of his mouth were “We have to get those pigs out of that garden before your mother gets home or else!” Of course, who was also in the garden with the pigs. Luchea.

As my father had trained every animal on the farm to come to the banging of a pail with the famous callings of “Souie” for the pigs or “CoBoss” for the cows or maybe a “Here chick” for the chickens and with the help of a couple of neighbors we got them rounded up and back in their pens.

Mother arrived home as the last were scooted to their humble dwellings, not noticing the havock in the garden. Supper was a little later that night as the neighbors and parents were discussing how 400 plus pigs could of escaped their pens all at once. I was not saying a word but, I knew exactly how the event occurred.  My father looked at me and said “My daughters trick pony is responsible for this!”

After a good laugh, the neighbors left, supper was enjoyed. Then, my mother went to visit her garden. I was standing at the window in my pajamas, after my bath, when I heard my mother yell “Brenda, you have some work to do in the garden tomorrow!” I went to bed a little earlier that night.

By the way, a few friends and family got a horse too! Only if they could catch it, though.

Hope you enjoy my guests blog!

In a land of suburbia stock homes, where hundreds upon hundreds of homes can be almost identical, having something to set your home and yard apart can take some work. Sure, you can be the family that hasn’t mowed their yard in so long that small children could get lost in it. Or you could be the person with the garden gnomes that greet people as they walk their dog at night. But wouldn’t it be better to have a home that people admired for its beauty and versatility? Its low maintenance and uniqueness? If you answered “Yes!” to these questions, then you owe it to yourself to explore how natural stone for your landscaping needs can make you the talk of the block party. (But in a good way!)

Unique

The nature of stone is one that lends itself to uniqueness. Each stone will have a different texture, color and design, ensuring a landscape that is all your own. In addition to the actual stones being unique, the design that you use can be as uniform or as unique as you want it to be. Using natural stone in a classy and creative way can not only boost the amount of time you spend enjoying yourself out there, but also the resale value of your home.

Durable

The good news about building stone into your landscape is that stone is known for durability and strength. Think castles from the 16th century and Stonehenge, pretty durable, right? Natural stones have taken quite some time to be made, so they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! People have been building things with stones for thousands of years, so you don’t need to worry about having to replant, repaint or replace every season.

Natural Looking

Stones are made in nature, so they have an authentic look and feel to them. In a world where synthetic and fake seem to be the norm, landscaping with natural stone that can blend into your yard, building an area that is truly suited for the outdoors.

Low Maintenance

After the stones have been sealed, there is very little you need to do to care for them. Depending on the type of natural stone, sweeping and/or mopping with warm water is usually all you need to do to keep your stone looking pristine for years to come.

When you consider the advantages to having natural stone in your landscape, it really is the perfect solution! Whether you are doing a major overhaul of your yard, or just some sprucing up, natural stone can be the key to having the neighbors whispering about your unique and beautiful yard.

This guest post was written by The Rock Yard Inc., specializing in natural stone in Gainesville, GA and manufactured stone in Duluth, GA for contractors and residents in the area. The Rock Yard also offers a wide variety of Centurion Stone and Native Custom Stone for your everyday stone needs.

The lovely lady plays her harp of wind chimes in The Secret Garden

My young lady with the harp seems to float amongst the crawling style plants in what was originally planned on being a fish pond. With young grandchildren, who seem to be quite mesmorized by water, we had second thoughts.  Maybe, in years to come. So, for now, she sits amongst the plants. The rocks are not really rocks!  The municipality was taking up sidewalks and I asked for a load to be dumped in my yard.  Much to my husbands grief, I might add.  He, at the time was laid off and I wanted flower bed edging  in my gardens. So, with a sledge hammer he “bashed” them into shape and I got my flowerbed edgings. Hey, the cement was free. We managed to complete several flowerbed garden areas and it worked great. People ask me all the time “where did you get your stone edging blocks like that?” When I tell them it is recycled sidewalk, they are amazed.

Stone WalkwayFront Entrance Walkway

These projects are MUCH cheaper than purchasing premade paver or stepping stones from the local gardening or nursey stores. They might be a little more time comsuning but are a great DIY garden or yard project for the summer. So, have some fun, do some shopping for the  stone effect you want  for your garden or yard, think of some plans and enjoy! In some areas we have all winter to dream something up.

Would love to hear of your plans or ideas! Share a picture of your projects!

e-mail me at blmoralesa45@gmail.com or leave a comment on blog.

Garden Fence Art

Creating your own secret garden can either be a daunting task or a relaxing, time filled joy.  Great ideas can come to you from visiting other people’s projects, nursery’s or just going for a Sunday drive, or, on a shopping spree at the local antique shops. Maybe, you have a special memory with something your parents, grandparents or special friends have stored in their barn or garage.

In the above picture, you will see a window my husband saved from the old barn that his parents demolished. His explanation was “I didn’t want just a plain fence to look at.” I especially liked the little peak he installed above it. The ledge under the window looks like a fine opportunity for more garage sale finds. The steel wheel was fished out of a farmer’s field line. (Don’t worry – I asked first).  The buck saw was another find in an old haymow of a barn that was also being demolished.

Garden Fence Blank Canvas

My next project will have to wait for spring now. I have plans of collecting any old or new birdhouses, maybe doing some painting or modifying, or maybe just leaving the  aged look.  With approximately 600 feet of plain fence, I have plenty of canvas to work on.

Maybe your garden fence is for keeping deer from having a chew on your garden goodies, or just for the picturesque view.

Just think, you have the whole winter to scout for those special items for your garden fence.

When I look at some of the fruit and vegetables in the grocery stores,
I wonder – how long has this been picked?
-what did they do to it to make it so perfect or shiny?
-how many people handled this before it touched my hand?
-I remember peaches having a fine fuzz on them when we picked them on the farm – what do they do to them now – they have no fuzz?
These are exactly the reasons, I think we need to grow a little more of our own foods. Maybe some hydroponics for the off outside growing season. Window gardens make a great place for growing herbs and smaller plants like cherry tomatoes or bush beans.

Watch your garbage bags get smaller on the streetside by reusing items around the house for starting seeds or protecting small seedlings from frost.
Egg cartons make great seedstarters. How about those plastic clamshell containers that fruit and multiple other things are packaged in. Another great seed starter. Some even have drain holes already and airholes for ventilation.
Cut the plastic from your cottage cheese and yogurt containers for name sticks in your garden.
Trade with neighbours and friends the extra bulbs or plants that you have to thin out for something new to you. Some communities have a garden garage sale where you can buy cheaply and have a great addition to your garden decor, while getting to meet some new friends.
Go to the clearance section of your local nurseries and check it out. Also while there, you might check out the price differences between the 4″ starter pot and the two or more gallon-sized pots of the same plants. The smaller ones are less likely to suffer from transplant shock and cost a lot less. You won’t have to divide them as soon either.

Since having a back injury a few years ago, I have had to think “Outside The Box” for my Garden Supplements.  From the huge inground garden, my substancially smaller gardening projects have turned into more raised garden developments.  Purchasing some large plastic tubs, I convinced my husband to drill some holes into the bottoms, put some gravel in the bottom (about 2 inches), a piece of black mesh landscaping cloth to keep the soil from draining away, and finally either buying premixed soil or mixing up my own concoction, filling the container to about 4 inches from top.  Still being a little too low for me and too heavy to push around the patio, my husband cut plywood circles out for the bottoms and installed castors (collected from yard sales and thrift stores).  We installed plastic saucers between the pots and plywood for good drainage.  Also we made up some cement planter feet to keep the pots from direct contact to the saucers.

Having had great success with tomatoes, peppers and LOTS of flower projects, I decided to really Think Outside the Box and try different containers.  Not containers that would cost me money but, ones that were maybe designated for the garbage.

Here are a few ideas that I came up with. Certainly not the first to do this I’m sure, and not suggesting that I am the First.

-Wax milk cartons – even the little half-pint ones can be used to starting rootings or seedlings. Great craft project for the kids to decorate with popscicle sticks or pinecones or florist foil.  Old greeting cards. The sky is the limit.

-Folded newspaper – folded like a fancy napkin – can be filled with starting soil and start your seeds – plant out paper and all.

-Soda bottles – alias pop bottles. Leave the cap on, cut off the top at the curve, make a couple of slits in the sides of the top and after making a couple holes in the bottom of the lower part, insert the top inside the lower part (gives the soil a chance to drain), fill with soil to about an inch from top and you have another container.  A Wall Decorationcan be developed with this idea too especially if you have a very limited space.  Affix a piece of plywood to wall preferable 1/2″ thick, screw in eyebolts where you would like attached plants, tie cord or a bendable wire can be used also to the eyebolt.  This will hold your bottle upright.  Screw another eyebolt directly under the top one for your bottle to sit on.  In other words if your bottle is 6″ tall – screw the bottom eyebolt so  your bottle is attached by the cord or wire about 3″ to 5″.  Just think of the posibilities of this one.

At one time, a few years ago I thought my gardening days were over.  Not Ever.  When my dust blows into the wind will be the only time.

Happy gardening to all.

The taste of fresh tomatoes out of the backyard garden is on my mind.  I purchased a few tomato plants already but have not planted them as we are still a little cool.  So, into my little greenhouse they go- for now.  I have heard of people planting them, arranging stakes around-then wrapping the stakes with plastic wrap.  Wow, a mini greenhouse.  Worth a try in my mind.

The big tale of late has been to mix a couple tablespoons of epsom salts into approximately a gallon of water and pour around the bottom of your tomatoe plants to protect and feed them.  This apparently helps with black spots on them.  Worth another try.

I have found a great product that enables me to sit on the stool and still have my tools close at hand without having them all over the ground with the possibility of leaving them there or all out loosing them altogether.

This great little invention has a folding seat with five gardening tools, a detachable storage tote and made of polyester canvas.

Two styles to choose from;  http;//www.thegardendecorcenter.com/  under Garden Tools

Happy Gardening to one and all!

Brenda Lesa