Peering out from the flower petals or rearing above the shrubs, artfully cast sculptures of concrete and resin have become a highly visible presence in the landscape at home. People have been putting a lot of time and money into their homes and landscaping. Garden statues create a focal point. It makes a pretty picture. Few garden ornaments can match the visual drama of an ancient statue or fountain wearing its years in varied hues of rust, moss and tarnish.
Rice suggests the following easy methods for artificially aging cement.
If the statue will be located in a shade garden, here's a method for growing a soft covering of natural moss, without waiting for Mother Nature's hand. Gather chunks of carpetlike sheet moss found growing near the base of trees and other shaded locales. Shake loose the dirt, then break the moss into small pieces in a regular kitchen blender. Blend with enough buttermilk to make a thick paintlike mixture. Brush or dab the mixture onto the statue.