JoAn's Hypertufa Classes
Constructing lightweight troughs, or containers, for plants and numerous other uses, is a craft that has certainly caught the eye of gardeners. Numerous articles have appeared in almost every gardening magazine over the past few years, and articles continue to appear in national gardening magazines. Our favorite book, the “Bible” of hypertufa, is “Creating & Planting Garden Troughs” by Joyce Fingerut and Rex Murfitt. We highly recommend it in addition to hands-on class instructions. Almost unlimited sites on the internet are devoted to, or deal with, the subject of hypertufa and its uses. While the craft is not difficult to comprehend, like many crafts, it is best understood ‘hands on’ or shown step by step during construction by a knowledgeable crafts person with experience.
Essentially, a hypertufa trough is constructed of Portland cement and two other materials of choice, depending upon the method and preference of the maker. The whole concept is to keep materials as light as possible, have them durable to outside weather, and look as though they were made from stone.
JoAn has taken courses with masters of hypertufa trough building in PA, Ohio, and in Indiana over past years. After constructing her own troughs over time, JoAn agreed through numerous requests to teach the craft beginning in 2003. Courses were so successful additional classes were scheduled so those applying would not be disappointed. JoAn’s talents and expertise are available to individuals and organizations throughout the coming year, but limited in number
We will be constructing various size and style hypertufa troughs, here at the nursery during the winter months. There should be a very nice assortment, in a full range of prices, all cured and ready to plant in the spring. Troughs will be on display when you visit the nursery and gardens.
Classes:
Two methods of teaching are used. One is full hands-on where students form teams to make their own mix, create molds and forms. Troughs are completed under JoAn’s expert instruction and direction and students take their troughs home upon completion of the class. All participants take home printed instructions and resource listings. These classes are conducted at Munchkin Nursery & Gardens, LLC. In addition, Gene will lead a tour of the gardens showing troughs already in use in both shade and sun gardens, discussing plants used in each trough.
Trough making can also be taught by demonstration only. All materials are brought to a garden club meeting and JoAn will construct several troughs. A running commentary while answering all questions accompanies the construction. Only JoAn gets her hands dirty using this method. As with the first method of instruction, all participants take home printed instructions.
Schedule:
Fall 2008 Hypertufa Classes
Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.: $35 per person
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m.: $35 per person
If you have attended a hypertufa class in the past, you may bring your own molds to this class and 00make what you want to take home that day.
If you are a garden center, club, organization, or garden with needs for an educational meeting, JoAn will come to your event and teach hypertufa trough construction using either of the two methods described above. The choice is yours on what would work best for your group. Please call or write requesting full details on how JoAn can fit your specific needs for an entertaining and instructive meeting or event.
Send an email to JoAn@netsurfusa.net or send a letter to our address on the bottom left of this page if you'd like a copy of the schedule.