Concrete Care
Hansen’s Garden Ornaments General Concrete Care and Maintenance for Fountains, Planters and Birdbaths.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU ARE NOW THE PROUD OWNER OF A HANSEN'S ORNAMENT!
Our cast stone products are created with a proprietary blend of concrete to tolerate our varied Canadian weather conditions. You can expect your garden ornament to provide you with many years of enjoyment if certain care and maintenance is applied.
FOUNTAINS
With a little care, your fountain will last for decades to come!
Important: Do not let the water run dry or freeze while pump is in the fountain.
Before the sign of first frost:
- Drain all water from bowls and remove pump. If water remains in any bowls and freezes, this may cause cracking
- If possible, dismantle fountain and place bowls vertically on their side or bring indoors. If keeping fountain pieces outside, please cover them.
- If you cannot dismantle the fountain, ensure the fountain is dry, wrap the pump cord inside the pump housing, then cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek and wrap to ensure that it stays in place. Using plastic tarps has been done however, it is not recommended. The plastic can hold moisture in and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete. Fountain covers are readily available at various retailers online.
- Concrete sealer may be applied to the inside walls of the bowls to aid in cleaning and moisture retention.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or brushes to clean your fountain. You may use pressure washer on lowest setting.
- Ensure your fountain base/pieces are placed above the frost line/ground surface. Apply a small layer of stone, pot feet or any type of riser underneath to prevent water freeze/thaw damage.
-If your fountain has a stained colour finish, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach. Keep away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish.
BIRBATHS
Make sure ice does not freeze/thaw in your bird bath bowl.
At the sign of first frost:
- Drain all water from bowls.
- If possible dismantle the birdbath and place the water bowl vertically on the side, or store the bowl indoors.
- If you cannot dismantle the birdbath, then cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek and wrap to ensure that it stays in place. Using plastic is not recommended. The plastic can hold moisture in and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete.
-If your birdbath has a stained colour finish, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach. Keep away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish.
PLANTERS
Treat your planters right, and your plants will thank you.
At the sign of first frost:
- Empty your planters completely of all soil and plant debris. Soil in containers should always be replaced yearly to ensure that plants would thrive.
- If possible, turn planter on its side, upside down, or cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek. Some people like to store them in a covered area such as a garage. Using plastic is not recommended because it can hold moisture and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete.
- Concrete sealer may be applied to the inside walls of the planters and bowls (and re-applied periodically). This may help with cleaning and plants that need more soil moisture.
- Ensure your planters are placed above the frost line/ground surface. Apply a small layer of stone, pot feet or any type of riser underneath to prevent water freeze/thaw damage.
-If your planter has a stained colour finish, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach. Keep away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish.