Introduction
Concrete garden spheres are garden accents that can be either decorative or functional and can be made right at home. They can be made hollow, in which case Quikrete concrete is usually the prime ingredient, or they can be made solid, in which case hypertufa concrete should be used since it’s lighter weight. These versatile garden elements not only add aesthetic appeal but can also serve various purposes, including acting as planters, sculptures, or even as bases for outdoor lighting.
Either way, many gardeners enjoy the globe shape of concrete garden spheres when placed next to plants and trees. And gardeners can also position hollow spheres with an opening cocked slightly to the side or facing upright in order for the sphere to serve as a planter. This adaptability makes them a favorite among those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces creatively.
Making the spheres at home is easy and doesn’t cost much money. The process will require a little time to complete, as the concrete needs time to set. However, the investment of time pays off in the form of unique garden features that can transform a mundane backyard into a visually stunning landscape.
Perhaps most importantly, you will need a place where you have room to work, leave the concrete sphere(s) to set. This should also be a place where you can make a bit of a mess and where you and your work will be mostly sheltered from the elements (especially rain). A garage, shed, or even a covered patio can serve as an ideal workspace for this DIY project.
Concrete garden spheres not only add visual interest to your garden but also serve practical purposes, such as acting as planters or even as whimsical garden decorations. With a little creativity, you can customize the spheres to match your garden’s aesthetic. For those who enjoy DIY projects, this is a fun and rewarding way to enhance your outdoor space. The sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing your handcrafted items blend beautifully with nature is unmatched.
Begin by gathering your ingredients and get ready for a hands-on garden art project. The steps below for making solid hypertufa spheres will help you learn how to make concrete garden spheres. As you embark on this creative journey, remember to embrace the process and enjoy every step of the way.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Now that you’re ready to begin, gather all your materials at once and be prepared to work uninterrupted; otherwise, the concrete may set. Also, be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask when working with concrete, as it can irritate the skin, so it’s good to wear long sleeves as well. Use sand mounds to hold the balls in place.
Most of the materials you need to make a garden sphere can be found at a chain home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. The children’s play balls can usually be found in stores like Target in a wire cage at an end cap in the toy department, and they’ll cost very little. The fiber mesh, which is important for preventing your sphere from cracking, may be found at concrete supply stores. If you’re unsure where to find specific items, don’t hesitate to ask store associates for help; they can often point you in the right direction.
Shop for the list of things you will need for this project:
- Face mask
- Protective rubber-coated gloves
- Rubber or plastic tub or tray
- Plastic bucket (for mixing concrete)
- Trowel (for mixing concrete)
- Garbage bags
- Children’s play sand
- Scissors
- 1 to 3 rubber children’s play balls
- Fibermesh
- 1 bag sphagnum moss
- 1 bag perlite
- 1 bag Portland cement (it’s important that it’s cement as we’re making our own hypertufa concrete)
- 1 bottle concrete bonding agent
Before diving into the project, it’s advisable to create a checklist and ensure that you have everything on hand. This preparation will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, consider laying out your materials in the order you’ll need them to streamline your workflow. This organization can save you valuable time and help keep your workspace tidy, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your project.
Step 2: Prepare the Children’s Play Balls
Set up your shallow plastic tub or tray at a workable height and place some garbage bags over it for protection. This will provide protection from sand and concrete so they will be usable after the project. Creating a clean workspace is crucial; it allows for easier cleanup and ensures that you can focus on the task at hand without distractions.
Place small mounds of sand on top of the garbage-bagged tray wherever you want to set the play balls. The sand is here to help the balls to stay in place once we start to fill them with concrete. It will make it a lot easier. This step is vital for ensuring that your spheres maintain their shape and stability during the curing process.
Place the ball(s) on each mound of sand so that they won’t roll away. Maybe put some sand on the sides so they will stay in place nicely as we’re going to use them as hypertufa molds. Ensuring a secure base will help prevent any mishaps that could occur while you are working on the project.
Use scissors to cut a 2″ diameter hole in each play ball. You should cut right where the plug is so you don’t have that bothering you on the end result. This step is crucial, as it allows for the concrete to be poured into the ball easily, enabling you to create your desired sphere shape.
As you prepare the play balls, this is a great opportunity to involve children or friends in the process. They can help with the cutting and preparation, making it a fun group activity. Additionally, you can discuss the design ideas for the spheres, which can help them get excited about the project. Collaborative projects often lead to more creative results, so don’t hesitate to let everyone share their ideas and visions.
Step 3: Mix the Hypertufa Concrete
In your large mixing bucket, combine your dry ingredients. Those are Portland cement, sphagnum moss, and perlite. You should mix all in equal amounts so you will get a proper mixture. Mixing these ingredients properly will ensure that your concrete spheres are durable and lightweight, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Throw in a handful of fibermesh; this will help for our hypertufa concrete spheres to hold their form and stay strong for years to come. The fibermesh will provide additional strength, preventing cracks and ensuring longevity, which is especially important for outdoor projects subjected to temperature fluctuations and weather conditions.
Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly, breaking up any clumps by (gloved) hand, if necessary. The fibermesh, in particular, should be broken up as tiny as possible. Achieving a uniform consistency will improve the overall quality of your concrete mix, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing final product.
Now add equal parts of concrete bonding agent and water, starting with just 1/2 cup of each at a time. Mixing these components carefully is crucial, as they play a vital role in achieving the right consistency and adhering the materials together effectively.
Stir well and continue adding equal parts bonding agent and water until the consistency is right—usually about the feel of thick oatmeal. If you squeeze a handful of the concrete mix into a ball, it should hold a bit of shape. You should also be able to see some visible fibers mixed in. At this stage, feel free to adjust the mixture if necessary, adding a bit more water or dry ingredients until you reach the desired texture.
When mixing the hypertufa concrete, take your time to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated. This step is crucial, as the quality of your mixture will determine the durability of your concrete spheres. It might be helpful to have a second person assist you with the mixing, allowing for a more efficient process. Working as a team can make the project more enjoyable and can help ensure that nothing is overlooked during the mixing process.
Step 4: Fill the Balls with Concrete
Take a handful of the concrete mix and squeeze it into an oblong shape that can fit into the ball’s opening. Then put the handful of concrete mix into the ball’s opening and repeat this several times. Filling the ball gradually will help ensure that the mixture is evenly distributed, which is essential for achieving a balanced shape in your garden sphere.
Once you’ve inserted several handfuls, push your hands and fingers down into the mix in the ball to push out air pockets. Repeat now and then as you add more concrete inside the ball. We don’t want any air bubbles as it will not look nice on our end result. This attention to detail will pay off when your spheres are complete, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.
Once you’ve filled up the ball completely with concrete, smooth over the top of the opening so it is rounded to match the surface of the ball. This final step in filling ensures that your garden spheres maintain a cohesive and attractive appearance.
Now you can leave the filled balls to harden and cure. The curing process is crucial, as it allows the concrete to gain strength and durability. Depending on the ambient temperature and humidity, curing may take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. During this step, it’s essential to maintain a clean workspace. Keep a bucket of water nearby to wash your hands and tools as needed, preventing concrete from hardening on them. This will also help you maintain focus on the task at hand and ensure that everything proceeds smoothly. Regularly checking on the curing concrete can also help you gauge when it’s ready for the next steps.
Step 5: Finish the Spheres
After the concrete has had at least 24 hours to harden completely, put on your gloves and feel the concrete to see if it’s 100% hardened. Depending on the size of the ball and temperature, it might not be ready yet. In that case, let it cure for some more time. Patience is key here; rushing this step can lead to damaging your work.
When it is ready, then peel away the rubber balls very delicately. With a gentle surgeon’s touch, use a small tool to lift the lip of the ball and snip to begin gently lifting the rubber away in a spiral pattern. Do it carefully if the concrete feels still soft or the surface is easily damaged; a cutting tool might easily damage it. Ensuring that you handle your concrete spheres with care will help maintain their integrity and finish.
Once the ball is successfully removed, a razor blade tool can be used to shave down where the ball opening as if the ball was overfilled. Now this will only work when the concrete is still a little soft; otherwise, you will have to sand it away or use some other kind of tool. This finishing touch is essential for achieving a polished look and can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your spheres.
Finishing touches are vital to ensure your concrete garden spheres look polished and professional. You may want to consider applying a sealant to protect the surface from the elements. Additionally, decorative paint or a weatherproof varnish can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your spheres, allowing them to fit seamlessly into your garden’s theme. Experimenting with different colors and finishes can lead to truly unique creations that reflect your personal style.
Conclusion
That should be it. Now you have the hypertufa concrete balls ready to adorn the garden. This is quite an easy project and could be done with kids or just for your own fun. As you place your newly created spheres around your garden, take a moment to appreciate the effort and creativity that went into making them.
Creating these garden spheres not only beautifies your space but also provides a sense of accomplishment. Every time you see them, you’ll be reminded of the time spent crafting something unique for your garden. If you enjoy this project, consider exploring other concrete crafts to expand your DIY skills. There are countless possibilities, from stepping stones to bird baths, that can complement your garden’s design.
I have also a concrete planters project, and like with that, you could also improve with latex paint on the mix. It could give a nice light color touch to the end result. Here is a concrete candle holder and concrete leaves as well. These projects can add variety to your garden décor and allow you to express your artistic flair while working with concrete.
Remember, the beauty of DIY projects lies in their potential for customization. Feel free to experiment with colors, textures, and shapes. You might even consider adding embellishments, such as stones, shells, or other decorative elements to your concrete spheres, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Enjoy the creative journey, and have fun transforming your garden into a personal oasis! As you continue to engage in these projects, you may even inspire others to try their hand at DIY garden enhancements, fostering a community of creativity and appreciation for handmade crafts.