Modern Concrete Pots—Design and Build

[John P.]

I’m starting to enjoy making these, so I figured I’d share in the event it could get others busy.

First

I designed this pot for one of my CA native oaks. I wanted to illustrate the depth and terrain of the slopes that our natives call home, such as these in my town:


I also had high-tech (CO2 injected, tons of light and ferts) planted tanks for about 10 years, and masters in that art form such as Takashi Amano always utilized slopes to make displays more engaging. So, slopes it is:


I’m also a modern architecture guy, and incorporated board-formed concrete in our house build:



I wanted to approximate it here, too, with the pot.

I’ll let the pictures take it from here. But, yes, those are popsicle sticks:






Next: Concrete!

 

[John P.]

Next: Done!

 

[John P.]

The top outside edges cracked and crumbled a bit during casting, but I like it this way. It’ll look great when planted-up.

 

[Carol 83]

Pretty cool and your outside living space is beautiful.

 

[Michael P]

Can't wait to see it planted.

 

[John P.]

Second

Went a little different with this one …









As you can see, the top edge is lumpy. I used a different concrete this time, which was almost like clay.

 

[John P.]

Ended up using a diamond sanding sponge to get a straight, flat edge on the top:

Took some time, but I am impressed by the result.

Doing so exposed some of the small aggregate, but it doesn’t bother me … sort of like terrazzo. Or something.







Inside is lumpy, but will not be visible when filled with soil.

Thinking about putting a rosemary in this one, but not sure.

 

[John P.]

These aren’t perfect by any stretch, but I think I’m learning. Concrete is interesting.

 

[Michael P]

As an architect, your model making skills have found a new use. I really like these pots! I also keep planted aquaria, these are an interesting fusion of Amano's techniques and bonsai.

I notice that you did not use any kind of reinforcing or armature. Or did I miss it? And exactly what kind of concrete did you use?

Thanks!

 

[John P.]

I was going to use chopped reinforcing fiber for the first one, but decided to move forward without it. I’ve read that the fibers can be visible and make the surface “hairy,” but some people say using a butane torch can burn off the fuzz.

For this one:

… I used:

… with a little bit of black color in the mix


For this one:

…I used:

… with a combo of colors added to to mix.

When I chose the CementAll, I intended to use it as a pour-into-a-mold thing, and people seemed to have good luck with it capturing surface detail. The Structural Repair formula shapes more like clay. I ended up not using an inner mold with that one, in favor of shaping it by hand.

I’ve experimented with plasticizers, but haven’t gotten them to perform properly yet. They allow you to use less water for stronger concrete, while also making the concrete flow with more liquidity.

As I’m in Zone 10, I don’t have to worry about freeze-thaw cycles here. All the pots I’ve made so far have thick parts, and they seem really strong. When I start making thinner pieces, I will definitely incorporate chopped fibers.

 

[Michael P]

Thanks!

 

[John P.]

Third

This one is my latest. I used smooth pine and screw construction in the hopes that I could reuse the frame to make more than one pot. I’ve tried coating with mold release before with so-so results, and didn’t use it here. I also used the Structural Repair mix on this one, which probably made it even less probable that the wood would release easily from the set concrete. It only resulted in one pot. Oh, well. Lessons.

I also used an assortment of the Quikrete colors in the mix.

You may be noticing a trend here with the design … again, I am trying to emphasize slope. It’s that aquascaping creeping into my bonsai. I designed a stand into this one to give it slope, while also trying to keep it visually light and thin …

 

[John P.]

 

[John P.]

Might as well make a grow box with the leftover pine:


12”x16” (external) x 1.75” (internal)

 

[salperalez]

I’m starting to enjoy making these, so I figured I’d share in the event it could get others busy.

First

I designed this pot for one of my CA native oaks. I wanted to illustrate the depth and terrain of the slopes that our natives call home, such as these in my town:
View attachment 414794

I also had high-tech (CO2 injected, tons of light and ferts) planted tanks for about 10 years, and masters in that art form such as Takashi Amano always utilized slopes to make displays more engaging. So, slopes it is:
View attachment 414793

I’m also a modern architecture guy, and incorporated board-formed concrete in our house build:
View attachment 414800
View attachment 414801
View attachment 414802
I wanted to approximate it here, too, with the pot.

I’ll let the pictures take it from here. But, yes, those are popsicle sticks:
View attachment 414795
View attachment 414796
View attachment 414797
View attachment 414798
View attachment 414799

Next: Concrete!

Awesome ! Love modern design n working with concrete. Thanks for sharing!

 

[RVMcC]

Very creative! I wish I had that talent!

 

[woodkraftbonsai]

I’m starting to enjoy making these, so I figured I’d share in the event it could get others busy.

First

I designed this pot for one of my CA native oaks. I wanted to illustrate the depth and terrain of the slopes that our natives call home, such as these in my town:
View attachment 414794

I also had high-tech (CO2 injected, tons of light and ferts) planted tanks for about 10 years, and masters in that art form such as Takashi Amano always utilized slopes to make displays more engaging. So, slopes it is:
View attachment 414793

I’m also a modern architecture guy, and incorporated board-formed concrete in our house build:
View attachment 414800
View attachment 414801
View attachment 414802
I wanted to approximate it here, too, with the pot.

I’ll let the pictures take it from here. But, yes, those are popsicle sticks:
View attachment 414795
View attachment 414796
View attachment 414797
View attachment 414798
View attachment 414799

Next: Concrete!

I love your outdoor space. Looks absolutely wonderful!

 

[Mikee002]

look into pvc sheet, found at big box stores. It can be treated just like plywood and should release the pots for multiple uses. Also HDPE sheet, which is basically plastic cutting board material should also work well

 

[penumbra]

When I first saw all the pop-sickle sticks I was "what tha" but I love the pattern they left much more than just a natural unaltered concrete.
You should have used the fiber. You can't believe how strong that stuff is. You can get fiberglass or spun nylon and the both work and both burn away in a flash with the lick of a torch.
Your house is stunning.

 

[John P.]

Awesome ! Love modern design n working with concrete. Thanks for sharing!

Very creative! I wish I had that talent!

Thanks—you both should give it a try!

I love your outdoor space. Looks absolutely wonderful!

Thanks—In my spare time (LOL) I’ve been building a bonsai area in the yard after having all of my trees on the ground for the last decade. It’s been cutting into my pot-making, though!

look into pvc sheet, found at big box stores. It can be treated just like plywood and should release the pots for multiple uses. Also HDPE sheet, which is basically plastic cutting board material should also work well.

Great idea—will give that a try.

When I first saw all the pop-sickle sticks I was "what tha" but I love the pattern they left much more than just a natural unaltered concrete.
You should have used the fiber. You can't believe how strong that stuff is. You can get fiberglass or spun nylon and the both work and both burn away in a flash with the lick of a torch.
Your house is stunning.

Thanks—I had bought some on Amazon, but it turns out it wasn’t alkali-resistant. Will definitely pick up the correct fiber and give it a try. I’d like to make thinner designs, and this would be important in order to pull that off.