For Arlene

That is what we call a hypertufa trough. Quite easy to make and inexpensive. Remember that there is cement in the mixture so the trough will have to be left outside for a few weeks before planting for the cement to 'cure'. The big delight of hypertufa is that it allows moss and lichens to grow on the surface and so looks really good.

Arlene.
Having posted the pics I can see that it is not easy to read. If you are interested send me a pm with address and I will send to hard copies.

Thanks Alan
very kind of you!.
~If you can let me know the title I will check it out on Amazon.
Thanks Bulbaholic for the advice as I am sure the book I have didn't say about leaving it to cure.

I don't think it's related to this book Margurite mine is one of the cheaper Royal Horticultural Society's paperbacks. Yours sounds more upmarket and very nice.

The book is called "containers" and is one of the RHS "Practicals" it is published by DK. It retails at £4-99 buit you may get a better price on Amazon.

My only caveat on hypertufa troughs is they are heavy, especially if you make a largish one. The foam ones from the garden centres are lighter but will cost you more. An alternative is a trough made from a fish box... now this might sound odd to start with but creating these troughs is an art form for SRGC members! The trough that can be seen in one of Bulbaholics pix is made that way. If you want info let me know and I can send to you.

~as I already have the Belfast sinks~i will give it a go but obviously we will have to make sure it is positioned well~I already have a flat step ready near my greenhouse~thanks for offer!

the info on how to make a fish box trough can be found at the SRGC's website:

http://www.srgc.org.uk/feature/fishbox/troughs.html

Arlene - remember to make holes in the bottom of the sink first. You certainly wont be able to move it once it is coated in hypertufa - unless you hire a JCB :-)

Belfast sinks have a hard, shiny finish to them and you might have difficulty making the hypertufa stick. There are two ways to improve on this;
1) Abrade the surface of the sink with a with a grinder, protect your eyes, and then paint the sink with an adhesive.
2) Wrap the sink tightly with chicken mesh. This will give the hypertufa something to grip on to, as with the walls of the crate in the article.
Good luck with the project.

~thanks for all the advice everyone~I was there last week when they did a talk at Wisley about alpines in containers and she did mention extra holes for drainage~there is a large one already but will get hubby to put more in.He has all the boys toys...

Yes it is so great I have a pot from England over 30 years old and I still have it thank you so much for showing these plans How fun your the best. Have a grand day.

Thanks everyone. I'll check out the website Moon Grower, Thanks.

Heck you could even join the SRGC forum Toto!

Just looked at that site,Moon grower - they are great! What a wonderful bit of recycling.

Over the next few days/weeks I will put together a picture blog on making the SRGC version of fish box troughs. I have some pictures but may need to take a few more.

And he requires his glamourous assistant to do the hard work whilst he points and shoots!

Moon Grower.
I have been busy with visitors this weekend so haven't had a chance to look at the SRGC website, but will be doing so tomorrow. Who knows I may do as you suggest and join their forum.