Wednesday, October 2, 2002

Decorative borders add flair to flower beds

Time and time again, homeowners seek unique ways to increase the value of their homes. Landscaping projects, such as planting flowers and building patios are popular methods; however, landscaping projects can become expensive and time-consuming, often detracting from the enjoyment homeowners get from "watching their gardens grow."

A cost-effective and time-efficient option for many homeowners is accenting gardens and flower beds with decorative borders. Even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer can easily and inexpensively add a touch of elegance to outdoor areas with reusable plastic molds.

These molds, like the Quikrete Border Maker, are designed to form concrete into the look of brick, block or stone accents, and used to border walkways, sidewalks and paths, line flower beds, and accent pools and many other outdoor areas. In addition, colors can be added to the concrete during the mixing process to achieve the authentic look of red brick, terra cotta stone or slate.

Purchasing a reusable mold, and enough concrete and dye to make 30 feet of border, is less expensive than buying 30 feet of pre-fabricated concrete border blocks. In addition to the savings, homeowners can customize their borders by imprinting them with leaves, flowers or other decorative objects, an option not possible with pre-fabricated blocks.

To create a border, do-it-yourselfers will need a Border Maker, Quikrete packaged concrete, a mixing bucket or wheelbarrow and a trowel. Once the materials are gathered, follow these easy, step-by-step instructions:

* Clear the ground of grass and level the soil to allow the mold to be applied properly.

* Follow the directions on the bag to prepare the concrete.

* Place the concrete mold level on the ground and fill the cavities of the mold with the concrete.

* When the mold is completely filled, use a trowel to smooth the surface until the concrete is even with the top of the mold. Also use the trowel to pat the surface of the concrete to prevent any air bubbles from forming.

* Once the concrete starts to hold its shape, gently remove the mold. Smooth the edges using the trowel until desired appearance is reached.

* To continue the pattern, simply place the mold at the end of the first application. Repeat these steps until the desired length of the border is reached.

There are also molds available in a variety of brick and stone patterns to successfully build concrete patios and decorative walkways.

To learn more about the variety of mold patterns or cement colors available, visit www.quikrete.com. For more information on where to purchase the Border Maker, call 1-800-448-3633.

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