Lawn Art Heaven in the Shenandoah Valley

When one travels to the Shenandoah Valley, there are certain stops one must make to visit or shop. These sites are just so compelling when you pass them, that you absolutely cannot resist the urge to explore them further. Included among these "must sees" are the geological wonders (Luray, Shenandoah, Endless, and Grand Caverns, Natural Bridge and Natural Chimneys) ; the cultural Meccas (Woodrow Wilson's Birthplace, Frontier Museum, New Market Battlefield, Wayside and Lime Kiln theaters) and the unique shopping establishments (the small town antique shops and malls, the Christmas shops, farmer's markets and flea markets and the mom & pop specialty shops along Rt. 11).

And one such establishment is Harper's Lawn Ornaments, Garden Paths and Ponds - a great, small, family run business dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of concrete lawn ornamentation. When you pass this small plot of land, located on Rt. 11 north of Harrisonburg, that is stuffed with every concrete form imaginable, your senses scream at you to stop and check it out.

You just instinctively know that among the 900 different items they manufacture is one that will fit perfectly in your garden. And probably one for Aunt Betty's yard and one for your best friend's patio too. In fact , you know that whatever you find there will be appreciated greatly, and that the recipient will gladly reimburse you for the minimal cost incurred. After all, this is a factory outlet. Most of what spreads out before you is made and painted right on the premises. And the charming finishing technician is happy to share with you the processes she uses to finish the art. Each process is unique for each of the 15 different finish styles that are available. What does it take to manufacture a concrete statue of a gnome? Well you can observe the entire process yourself right there at the store. Molds are oiled and the multiple pieces are clamped together. Concrete is mixed and poured into the molds. Once the figure being made has set, which takes about 24 hours, the mold is removed and the piece is set out to cure which takes about 3 weeks. This is called hydration and is basically a leeching of moisture from the cement. The excess cement is pared off, a process called "honing", and the item is then ready for either the market or the finishing pavilion. Unfinished pieces may be placed directly into the garden or painted by the customer.

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