Leaf Casting: A Hands-On Workshop with Louise Clarke

Join HPS member Louise Clarke for a hands-on workshop to create long-lasting concrete replicas of actual leaves. You will learn which leaves are best for casting, which medium to use, how to mix it, and how to apply it, as well as aftercare. Cured, sealed concrete leaves can be used as bird baths or decorative accents in the garden. Add a wire loop to make your leaf a hanging ornament. Painting optional (after curing), but fun.

You may bring a leaf no more than 12” x 12” that has no holes or tears and is not fuzzy. Larger leaves will be rejected due to container and material constraints. Fern leaves are also not suitable.

Your instructor will provide individual attention and step-by-step instructions from mixing and molding to aftercare. You will receive full written instructions to take home so you can make more.

Dress for messy fun!

Louise Clarke is co-principal of Verdant Earth Educators, a green industry consulting and education firm. A former horticulturist from the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, she is a certified arborist, as well as a certified green roof professional. She is a graduate of Temple University’s College of Environmental Design.

Louise currently teaches classes at the Barnes Arboretum School of Horticulture, as well as workshops and lectures for Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, Tyler Arboretum, and other venues. She is active in Garden Communicators International and the North American Rock Garden Society.

Workshop Details & Registration