Loren Russell's Troughology: Workshop Goes beyond Square and Hairy
Page One: Freeform Trough. Loren created this freeform trough in a demonstraton
Mixing dry ingredients

Peat, Portland cement, and perlite are mixed dry in a wheelbarrow.

Sand Bed is Wetted
Sand box or bed used for freeforming is well-dampened with water. water is also added to the trough ingredients to make a consistency of a cookie dough.

freeform impression
An impression is made in the damp sand.

Form begins with pot for a drain
A small plastic flower pot is used to reserve a drain hole. trough-mix has been placed in the form for molding.

when form is hardened
When form is firmed in sand, it can be modeled like dough or clay. Fun!

Form is finish carved with axe
Form is finish carved and shaped with an old axe. Nicks and scrapes give it a naturally aged look. Join the fun! Join the North American Rock Garden Society


Next page: A look at Loren's rockwork and pond