Jason,
you have a great leaf. I like you web site full of photos and instructions.
My experience with leaves found that hypertufa will not give you the best results. Lots of people have use hypertufa, I like a smoother mix. I use Portland and sand mix 1:2 . No peat or perlite. The portland and sand will make a smoother mix, and show more details. And for what you plan to do with the leaf, - water running over it, I believe the portland and sand mix will hold up a little longer. Over time the perlite will loosen and come out. Curing is the most important part to emphasis. Let it dry too soon and iut will crack. Cover the damp leaf ( keeping it damp) for at least 1 week. after removing the green leaf. You will have a stronger leaf and it will last much longer. Finally after it has cured, it may not hurt to seal with an outdoor grout sealer. Once last thing. if you make a larger leaf ( like an elephant ear plant) it wont hurt to add a little reinforcement, like mesh drywall tape. Some may use wire, but that is too much work.

I hope you don't mind the comments, You photos and instructions look very professional - keep up the good work

Here is a link that might be useful: My link

Thanks for the advice on the sand cement mix! I don't mind the comments at all. I'll try the drywall tape at some point.

I am about to make a concrete garden statue, and am wondering if maybe I should use your recipe instead of the concrete.

It will be going over a wire and rebar armature. Any thoughts on that?

BTW, although I live in Portland, Oregon, I grew up right by you, in York, PA.

This post was edited by JasonInPDX on Fri, Jun 14, 13 at 10:19

I have never attempted a statue. I would use the mix I suggested and maybe include some concrete ad mix or bonding agent. Do a search on this forum for ideas on making a statue.
Since you are so close to Washington, check out this garden, They occasionally have open houses. It is worth the drive.
I have been here and it is amazing

Here is a link that might be useful: Little and Lewis

I will certainly try to get up there and see it. Didn't realize they were so close.