You post an interesting question. What might be a good reason for some, might not be for others.

As for the wheelbarrel, nothing a good hosing wont take care of if you clean up when you're done mixing.

Hypertufa is more of a hobby (for me). I like creating things, it's what I do all day, in one way or another. Oh, and I like when my wife brags about the things I've created: Waterfalls, planters, rocks, statues...

The larger the project, the more work, but the more reward. Some people think all you need in a garden are plants, I say accoutrements are all the rage too... you can make benches, walkways, masks, lanterns... All of these could set you back a pretty penny, and there's no sense of real ownership, at least not for me.

There's no need to babysit either. I never did. I just check on my project for a day or two, maybe more if I leave it in a hotspot where I think moisture is an issue AND my project will need some strength for whatever reason. Other than that, I just let it sit.

Give it a shot. If you're still not convinced, try something small to get the curiosity out of your system. If it doesn't float your boat, at least you didn't waste a whole weekend ;-)

GL!

Because it is fun

If its not fun for you,------ then buy plastic!

amaretto - your wife is lucky.

Plastic - lol

Okay, here are 10 good reasons:

1. You've been thinking about it for a year and still haven't tried it. I lurked for a year, too. Believe me, the idea won't let go until you try it.

2. You'll need a container for those mini plants (that you know you'll buy).

3. You will gain an immense sense of satisfaction in knowing that you made it yourself, especially when you realize it's an original art piece.

4. You'll also gain bragging rights AND

5. Be way ahead of the other people who have been lurking for a year and still haven't tried it.

6. The mess is not a big deal. Cover your work area in newspaper and throw it all away when you're done. Cover your face with a mask when you're working with dry ingredients and throw it away when you're done. Cover your hands with gloves that you can either throw away or dip in a bucket of water to rinse off. Clean your tools in the same bucket of water. Let the sediment settle to the bottom, pour the water on your lawn and put the solids in the garbage. Done!

7. Just like Amaretto said, the spray nozzle on your hose will remove all traces of cement from your wheelbarrow. Besides, what the heck is a wheelbarrow for, anyway?

8. You won't mind babysitting this chunk of concrete because it will be YOUR little darling AND

9. You only have to keep an eye on it once a day for a week...misting and covering in plastic or else submerging in water and changing it periodically. Then just put it in a shady place and forget about it (if you can) for three more weeks.

10. And last (but not least) you'll be the newest expert on the block and be able to give advice and encouragement to newbies!

Come on in, the mud is fine!

Deb

Wow Deb, you are good! While I was reading what you wrote, I thought of going to home depot to get some rigid foam.

#2 - I had been contemplating putting in a garden railway until I realized it wasn't the trains that I like, it was the mini landscaped. Yes, I have to have mini plants.

#4 - Bragging rights - a bonus I hadn't thought of :-)

#6 - Thanks for the clean up tips, it's very helpful

#7 - Moving soil & mulch?

#8 - LOL!

If you need someone to give you reasons, you may not be really interested in trying. Make one. If you don't like the idea, quit.