Apr 26 2007
The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information, has just launched a new Concrete Statuary section on its Web site. The section details design options, colors and finishes, tips for buying, how to care for pieces, and more on this popular new trend.
For centuries, landscapers have recognized the importance of balancing the lush floral beauty of a garden with statuary, fountains and other ornamentation that provide structure, contrast and decorative interest. Even though stone has long served that ornamental purpose, today there's growing interest in a concrete alternative that offers even greater aesthetic value at a fraction of the cost.
Statues, fountains, benches, pond blocks and a vast array of other decorative pieces made of cast stone are showing up in gardens everywhere in every form imaginable.
"Concrete is an ideal medium for creating themed gardenscapes," says Janice Lucioni of Secret Garden Statuary, Seattle.
Cast stone is a highly refined architectural precast concrete that can be manufactured to simulate nearly any type of natural cut stone including limestone, sandstone, granite, slate and travertine. It can be made from white or gray cement, and often mineral pigments or decorative aggregates are tossed into the mix to add color and variation.
For more inspiration, browse through The Concrete Network's Concrete Statuary section for examples of fountains and modular ponds, and tables, benches and containers.