Add interest to a garden with these cute mushrooms
Sprout some style in the garden by making these unique mushroom-inspired artworks. Historically, staddle stones were used as architectural supports to keep grain barns elevated and their contents safe from moisture and rodents. Today, you’re more likely to see them adding wonder to a water garden, flair to a flowerbed, or grandeur to a garden path.
Build The Form
To make the form for the base, use a hand saw or circular saw to cut four pieces of plywood or scrap lumber into the sizes shown below (two A pieces and two B pieces).
Use finish nails to fasten the form so the A pieces are opposite each other. Be careful not to nail the form too tightly, as you’ll need to spread apart the sides to pop out the base once it sets.
Create Base
Prepare the cement mix in a bucket according to package instructions.
To form the base, pour the mix into the form, filling it to the level of the desired height. Tap the form until the mix levels off. Let dry overnight, then pop it out of the base by prying apart the form slightly.
Make the Cap
To make the cap, put a 20cm layer of sand in a cardboard box. Dampen the sand and use a mixing bowl to make a depression to fit your preferred cap size. Prepare and pour cement mix into the depression and tamp it. Let dry overnight, then remove.
Place and Assemble
Let the base and cap cure for a day. Then place the cap on top of the base and use as desired.