How My Island was made

15 years ago

The first step is to get a piece of plyboard, or cardboard, either will work. Set the pot you want to use one the board and arrange where you want you plants to sit. cut holes in board. I used a piece of pond liner and cut holes in it to match the holes in the board.You could use any plastie to keep the foam from sticking to the board and to keep the fish from pecking at the bottom of the island,

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I added some metal, the white things, for strength. You could use anything stiff for this, the green thing is a floating thing kids play with in pools, I cut it down the middle so it would lay flat in the board. I taped it all down to the board with heat duct tape.

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Next comes the "Triple Expanding Foam", I used 5 cans. I got it for $3.00 at a dollar store.

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More foam

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I used 4 or 5 different color paint greens and browns. Planted the containers, put the island in the pond and added the plants.

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Don't let the foam can get hot, Keep them in the shade. Once you have sprayed out 2 or 3 cans move the island into full sun. It seems to expand more in the sun. The next day you can bring the island back to the shade and use the rest of your foam to fill in some of the holes.

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Comments (9)

koijoyii
15 years ago
Thanks for sharing your creativity with us. I thought it was made out of pea gravel, but I couldn't figure out you got all that pea gravel to float. Going to have to try to make one now.

Jenny
pamritchie
Original Author
15 years ago
Please be sure to post pictures, If you have questions, let me know.
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koijoyii
15 years ago
Ok, will do. Thanks again.

Jenny
cherrycreek
15 years ago
Wow! That looks really good! It's hard to believe that only that much of the floating toy noodles would keep it afloat. I just got done making 3 of the single floating planters. Am going to have to try your idea next. Does it have to be a certain type of paint? Thank you for sharing!
heavington
15 years ago
This is awesome! What a great idea, and it looks like rock. Thanks for sharing your ideas and pics. Wonderful.

D
frogman4_gw
15 years ago
I really like your idea also my only concerned would be the plywood decomposing since it is under water. Did you consider sprinkling sand or small pebbles on the surface when the foam was added?
pamritchie
Original Author
15 years ago
You don't put the board in the water. That is the reason for the pond liner between the board and the foam, to keep the foam from sticking to the board. After the island is painted, I used plain old spray paint, Just trim the pond liner close to the island. drop the island in the water add in the plants. You can cut the foam with a knife, if you need to trim. I will try to post a picture of the bottom in a day or two.
missa7
15 years ago
So you remove the foam covered plastic from the board & put the foam covered plastic in the water? Not the board?
frogman4_gw
15 years ago
Makes sence to me, very creative. The board is just there for support till the foam sets up. One of the best idea's I have seen on this forum that can be used my many other ponders. Thanks