Winter Preparation for Garden Stone

Keep your investment beautiful for many years!

Winter care for garden statuary begins in the Fall. If you live in an area that expects a fair amount of precipitation, you'll prolong the beauty and life of your stone garden piece by applying a water sealer. Use a product made for concrete or masonry and always follow instructions on the packaging. Water sealing is especially important for items that hold water like birdbaths and fountains. Stone and masonary bench and table tops also benefit from sealing. Seal tables, benches and statuary every year. Keep in mind that application of a sealer will prevent most 'aging' of the stone (moss and lichen growth, darkening, etc., will usually cease).

Make sure pots and planters drain properly. Use pot feet or 1/2" thick cement tiles to raise pots so moss will not clog the drain holes. Or place a 1" - 2" layer of styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom a pot prior to planting. Make sure the peanuts you use aren't the dissolving corn starch type. If you have saucers under your pots, please remove them if you plan to leave the pots outside through the winter. Saucers collect and hold water, which can lead to cracking. Also, loose dirt expands and contracts with temperature more readily than hard, compact dirt, so prepare the soil accordingly.

For statues and other yard ornaments, don't leave them in direct contact with the ground or with water that will freeze. You can place statues on a paving stone which will keep them from coming into contact with the ground. Painted items should be wintered over in a covered area.

Just remember, cast stone is strong and durable, but Mother Nature can be stronger. Maintenance and care will keep your statuary beautiful for years to come!