Quick Jump to Related pages
Growing Rhubarb    Forcing Rhubarb     Rhubarb Stepping Stones    Rhubarb Recipes from the past    Rhubarb Recipes   

---

Rhubarb Stepping Stones

Bring your yard alive with stepping stones. These additions will add character and be a conversation piece for all who visit. These stones can be made in a variance of sizes. As a matter of fact, no two will be alike. If you were to shop commercially for stepping stones you would find they are available almost anywhere but none will give you the satisfaction that these will when you finally place them in your garden.

Materials Needed

• Heavy plastic sheeting
• Rubber gloves
• Pre-mix concrete (one standard-sized bag will make three large leaf stones)
• Chicken wire or 1/2 inch mesh wire
• Wire cutters
• Rhubarb leaves -size to be determined by your choice and availability

NOTE: If you want a color other than the standard grey cement comes in, you will need to purchase a cement or mortor colorant.

Work in an area that is level and someplace that can be left undisturbed for several days. consider the place where you want to make them very carefully. Ideal locations are a driveway or patio or a corner in the yard.

Cut a piece of plastic for each stone you are doing. It needs to be at least 6 inches larger than the leaf. Place it on the flat surface and put the leaf in the center - vein side up.

Follow the package instructions, mix the concrete to a stiff consistency. Using a shovel or gloved hands, place the concrete onto the leaf. Be carefull not to tear the leaf. The concrete needs to be spread almost to the edge of the leaf and 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.

Cut chicken wire in the basic shape of the leaf and 1 1/2 to 2 inches smaller than the outside edge of the concrete. Place chicken wire on concrete adjusting and overlapping as needed to ensure it does not go over the edges of the leaf. Add more concrete, again 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. As you spread it over the chicken wire to the edge of the leaf, push down to remove air bubbles.

Gently lift the plastic up around the shape of the leaf. Smooth the edges by hand or use a small trowel. Place gravel or dirt up around the form to give support until it cures. Cover with a second piece of plastic NOTE (1) and allow to cure for 48 hours.

Uncover and lift stones away from the bottom layer of plastic and turn it over to the walking surface. Remove any pieces of leaf or veins that may be inbedded into the concrete by using the garden hose with the nozzle set at jet spray.

These stepping stones are now ready to be placed in the garden. During the curing stage of 5 to 7 days NOTE (2), spray them often with water. Make sure they are set firmly into the ground so they don't move when you walk on them.

NOTE(1) This piece of plastic can be large enough to cover all of the stones using rocks or blocks of wood around the outside edge to hold in place.

NOTE (2) Avoid stepping on the stones until the concrete completely cures

SUGGESTION: You can leave the imprint of your favorite garden flower or foliage in any shape you choose to make by following the guidelines above.

---

Quick Jump to Related pages
Growing Rhubarb    Forcing Rhubarb     Rhubarb Stepping Stones    Rhubarb Recipes from the past    Rhubarb Recipes   

---

Browse all our Home & Garden Accent Pages
Custom Rural & Wall Mounting Mailboxes    Personalized Mailboxes    Door Knockers     Cold frames, Greenhouses & Seed Starting     Trellises     Watering While Away     Preserving Flowers     Growing the Amaryllis     Gifts for the Gardener     Flower Meaning Dictionary     Playing in the Dirt     Composting Basics     Cold Frames, Greenhouses, Seed Starting     Bug Companions     Make Bug Spray     Address Markers    Gardening Books    Container Gardening    Side Gardens    Lavender Sachets    Wreath Making    Trellises    Tips for Outside     Indoor Fountains & Waterfalls    Sundials     Sundial Birdbath Combinations    Ponds, Kits & Deck Pools    Fountains & Sprinklers    Harvest Recipes

---