Container Materials: Stone
Most stone based materials are formed from molds, with the only exception going to natural stone which is machine cut. The natural molds allow for the manufacturing of a diverse class of shapes and sizes. The range of tactile surfaces these stone containers can provide list from smooth cylindrical containers to an aged Mediterranean look.
Contemporary containers rely upon smooth matt surfaces and grey tones to attenuate the appeal of a garden area. They are available in square or cylindrical shapes and are considered very durable and long lasting.
Certain stone based materials are manufactured by binding powder to an adhesive. These “reconstructed” materials are utilized to construct authentic copies of large urns and pedestals pots. They also add color additives within coatings to develop an aged weathered appeal that contemporary containers lack.
Developing an aged weathered look for your stone pots at home is very simple to do. To achieve this appeal, you must promote algae and lichen growth by supplying nutrients and the necessary amount of shade. Pots and containers exposed to sunny periods for an extended period of time will kill off these organisms before they can flourish and provide you with a weathered haze. To promote growth of algae and lichen, place the pot in a damp shady environment and smear lush grass in corners and moldings. You can even smear yogurt or spray liquid fertilizer to encourage the growth.
Stone containers, especially white tones, tend to become dirtier then other container materials because of potting mix scuffs and dirty finger print residues. Most of these marks can be washed or scrubbed off. Just dump a kitchen scourer in a bucket of warm soapy water and clean of the affected areas in a light circular motion. Certain stains might be in too deep and must be removed by utilizing a higher grade abrasive pad. Before you use these pads on the whole surface, try it out in a small hidden segment first to observe the results on the smooth stone surface.
