Stonesmith Garden Vessels

Stonesmith Garden Vessels are inspired by trough gardening which originated in England in the early part of this century.  The original stone planters were water and feed troughs discarded by farmers.  Gardeners found that these containers provided a healthy environment as well as a wonderful way to showcase their hard to grown alpine plants.

When the demand exceeded the supply for these containers, a man made substitute was developed called Hypertufa.  The recipe used to make these stone containers was intended to replicate a naturally occurring coarse textured porous limestone called, Tufa.

Stonesmith has taken this age old recipe and developed a complete line of products to meet your gardening needs.  Every product retains the wonderful qualities and time worn appearance of the original Tufa stone. 

• Handmade
• Lighter than concrete
• Retains moisture
• Cultivates the growth of moss and lichen
• Organic ingredients make them plant friendly
• Gets stronger with age
• Appropriate for any style garden
• Earthy colors and textures make plants the focal point: Brown, Gray, and Warm Sienna
• Pumps available, but not included

How to Grow Moss on Stonesmith Garden Vessels:

Take any moss that you can find growing under plants and in shady areas and remove as much of the dirt as is possible.  Put the moss in a blender at a 1:1 ratio with milk or buttermilk and blend until a smooth consistency, ie of a milkshake.  Paint or pour the mixture over the areas where you want moss to grow.  Make sure your container or fountain or other Stonesmith piece is damp before painting the moss mixture on it, then place the painted piece in a shade location.  The moss will begin to grow in a couple of weeks along the lines and crevices of your container.

Without shade or dampness, moss will dry out and seem to disappear.  However, returning it to the shade and moisture will cause the moss spores that are already there to produce again.

Moss is easier to find in the spring.  If you have none near you, simply use buttermilk.  The buttermilk will attract the spores in the air and eventually moss will grow.  This takes a while longer, but the effect is the same.