More Troughology: Forms and Creations with Found Objects
Molds are where you find them.
Imagination helps you spot them! This one is an old discarded utility lamp
part. It makes a splendid shape with plenty of depth for optimal root
development for saxitile plants. Loren used sand instead of perlite in a series
of these trough. With the linear grooves and folds, they resemble bedded
snadstone.
For lightweight troughs, coat a styrofoam
box such as a fish box with carpenters glue, then apply a thick coating of
hypertufa mix. These are especially handy for troughs to be used in shows and
public displays, as they are easier to tote! Loren has set up many such
displays at flowers shows at malls and public places.
For making trough forms, styrofoam
insulation/wall board is easy to cut and work with. This dark trough has
pigment added to the dry concrete. Pigment powders made for use with concrete
can be purchased from builder's or construction supply houses.