Started this project for a kinda practice run...I added something special to the ruin walls...You will be able to plant small succulents on top of the wall to imitate wild plants and grasses such as you would see on an old abandon structure....There is small drain holes on the back of the walls..This is only one out of 3 walls that will stand on this miniature garden..

I can't believe how creative you are. Allowing for areas to plant in and on top of the walls is a great idea! This will also be an impressive project.

plantmanager said:I can't believe how creative you are. Allowing for areas to plant in and on top of the walls is a great idea! This will also be an impressive project.

Thank you..Should be finished with it this weekend...

I gotta say this is a most interesting thread.

Maybe you mentioned this before but do you use a template to make the bricks ?
So clever.

ge1836 said:I gotta say this is a most interesting thread.

Maybe you mentioned this before but do you use a template to make the bricks ?
So clever.

I just use a straight edge and draw out the brick..Then take a flat head screw driver and mash down to indent the lines and out come the brick shape..Or you can cut the lines out with a razor blade...Best place for this technique is to go to youtube..There is hundreds of videos showing how to make brick using Styrofoam..

plantmanager said:I can't believe how creative you are. Allowing for areas to plant in and on top of the walls is a great idea! This will also be an impressive project.

The cool thing about the walls is that there a miniature garden in them selves..

Shape - Awesome idea about drainage!!! Looks wonderful !

The bricks/blocks are styrofoam not concrete?

beckygardener said:Shape - Awesome idea about drainage!!! Looks wonderful !

The bricks/blocks are styrofoam not concrete?

Hi Becky! They are styrofoam..Its a perfect materiel to use because of its weather resistant properties..And the weight factor..Here is a wall before paint..

I didn't think styrofoam was weather resistant! Is it UV stabilized? Or does the paint protect it?

woofie said:I didn't think styrofoam was weather resistant! Is it UV stabilized? Or does the paint protect it?

Its really not styrofoam its Foam Insulation Board

Foam insulation board, also known as polyisocyanurate insulation, is made by mixing together polyether and isocyanate that then close together to form what is referred to as closed cells. These closed cells have much in common with polyurethane in terms of chemical makeup and physical appearance, but with the added benefit of improved insulating properties. Polyisocyanurate insulation (PIR) is both smoke and fire resistant, and maintains functionality at a higher range of temperatures than standard styrofoam insulation. The ease of installation for polyisocyanurate is often higher both because it does not require a thermal moisture barrier before installation and because it is available in two different forms--liquid spray and rigid foam board similar to conventional styrofoam. And where the plants will be is burnt down with a soldering iron and the burn creates a water barrier from inside..Also noticed where it is melted makes it twice the strength..I figure all that and paint should last for years...

Interesting information about the foam board material.

Are the foam bricks separate and mortared together or did you carve out the brick pattern on the walls but it is a solid piece?

I thought it looked like the board used on houses,pink huh?
Ruins are coming along nicely.
Are the sections carved? or burned ?
That dense insulation is hard to carve.

beckygardener said:Interesting information about the foam board material.

Are the foam bricks separate and mortared together or did you carve out the brick pattern on the walls but it is a solid piece?

I carved out the brick on one solid piece...I started over on the project because i found a better way to imitate the plaster effect... In these pictures you can see how the plaster disappeared and the brick are exposed..Not a Subtle change to brick...

ge1836 said:I thought it looked like the board used on houses,pink huh?
Ruins are coming along nicely.
Are the sections carved? or burned ?
That dense insulation is hard to carve.

I was using the blue but found the pink was way better...I carved each wall as one piece..As far as carving a brand new razor blade cuts like butter...

The wall itself is now a planter box...

Shape,
The ruins are looking very good!! I have an outdoor project that I'm considering using the foam insulation board. What are the difference in properties of the pink versus the blue board, like durability and using the burn/melting technique?

Sundownr said:Shape,
The ruins are looking very good!! I have an outdoor project that I'm considering using the foam insulation board. What are the difference in properties of the pink versus the blue board, like durability and using the burn/melting technique?

I think the blue is not as strong...You can hit the pink with a hammer and chances are it will just make a dent...Im not kidding that pink board is some tough stuff....Here is my finished miniature ruins..I can promise the ruins will out last the planter box...My wife helped with all planting in this project..

That is fabulous!!! What a craftsman you are, Shape!!! I love it!