How to Mix Cement for Garden Ornaments

Having a garden is more than simply having gorgeous flowers, a lush green lawn and shady trees; it's about creating a magical environment that allows you to escape from your daily life to a place of repose. One way you can achieve such an environment is via garden ornaments, and you don't need to rely on the ones offered in stores. You can make your own using a mold and mixing your own cement.

Sharp sand
Cement
Gravel
Mixing trough or large pan
Wheelbarrow
Broomstick
Water
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Take equal amounts of gravel and sharp sand and mix them together evenly in a mixing trough. Scoop three large shovelfuls of the mixed gravel and sand into a wheelbarrow.
- 2
  Add one shovelful of cement. Mix thoroughly with a broomstick. Slowly add water in cups to the mixture, very gradually. Each time you add a cup of water, mix the substances vigorously. Keep adding water until your mixed cement is creamy but still easy to pour.
- 3
  Test the concrete to make sure it is the right consistency. Dip a trowel into it and remove it. Look at the lines made by the trowel. If they disappear immediately, you've added to much water and need to fix it by adding small amounts of mixed gravel and sand along with cement in the original three to one ratio. If the lines of the trowel start to disappear slightly but essentially remain in place, your cement is of the right consistency and it is ready to use.

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