Winter provides a great time for creating a few new pieces for the garden since we usually have time to spare for more relaxing chores during this cooler season. My winter goals include turning out a few hypertufa pots to serve as focal pieces in my front garden area. These pots look like aged stone but they are made from materials readily available at the hardware store. They are also lighter than stone, although they are still pretty heavy.

I started with a mold for my pot. I just lined a cardboard box with a plastic garbage bag. The wrinkles in the bag don't make much of a difference, but try and get it as smooth as possible.

Next, I mixed up my hypertufa recipe in a bucket. Combine Portland cement, peat moss and vermiculite with just enough water so it develops a thick, oatmeal-like consistency. The mixture should retain its shape if you squeeze a handful

Now begin filling your mold! Smooth a 3-inch layer of hypertufa onto the bottom of the mold. Continue it up the sides, pressing it firmly into place. If your pot needs drainage holes, insert a couple of dowels into the bottom while the cement is still wet.

It takes the pot about a week to dry. Carefully peel away the cardboard and bag and remove the dowels. Allow the pot to dry for another month before using it. You can even use a chisel or screwdriver to carve lines in it for further decoration.