Cement can be used for more than pouring concrete slabs. With a little creativity you can build your own rocks, sculpt your own fountains or create your own pieces of art to make your garden unique. Here are a few ideas on how to make constructs with concrete.

Step 1 This large fake rock blends in with smaller real rocks.You can build fake rocks, caves, elevated ponds, sculptures and more with concrete.

Step 2 This is the skelleton for a large storage shed/volcanic rock/waterfallFirst you will want to build a framework with rebar or 1 x 1" wood (or both depending on how large or detailed your construction is). If, like in the example of the storage shed here, you are building an actual structure, then you will need to use at least 4 x 4" wood set into poured footings.

Step 3Then bend small gage chicken wire over the framework to create the shape you want.

Step 4 I add perlite or vermiculite (available at garden centers) to the normal concrete mix to get a lighter mixture. Expect a lot of the first layer to slip between the wire and land on the ground. You might want to have plastic drop cloths available to catch the extra. You can use it again so long as it doesn't dry out. The first coat creates enough roughing that, once dried overnight, the next coat will give better coverage.

Step 5 It will be blended with smaller rocks.Add 2 - 4 coats until you have the thickness and shape you want.