About our Products
Classic Rock Garden Ornaments Ltd.
Meet Dr.David Bird
Dr. David M. Bird, Emeritus Professor, McGill University, a columnist for BirdWatcher’s Digest, editor of Pocket Birds of Canada, and podcaster for Brome Bird Care www.askprofessorbird.com
“I find few things in nature more joyful than watching a bird vigorously douse itself in a bath. Installing in one’s yard a bath from which birds can drink, cool themselves, and bathe to maintain their feathers is not only low maintenance but also just a one-time expense. And in my books, Classic Rock Garden Ornaments offers the best selection of affordable, quality bird baths on Vancouver Island.”
Dr. David Bird
Our Work
Design
Classic Rock’s statuary and garden ornaments are some of the most beautiful and well-made ornaments to be found anywhere in the world. The attention to detail, the classic designs, and the quality of construction make these pieces special. They are made of fiber-reinforced concrete with steel reinforcing were required for strength.
Color
Classic Rock offers two finishes, “rustic” (darker brown with golden undertones) and “natural grey” (unstained) concrete.
rustic
Our hand-finish is a blend of mottled earth tones and streaks that makes a new piece of concrete look more like a piece of weathered stone. These tones range from golden brown to gray-green and are determined by a large number of factors (e.g., heat, humidity, concrete mix design, etc.). Because many factors are uncontrollable, no two pieces will ever match exactly, but they will all work together beautifully.
The mottled tones of this “rustic” finish are the result of a reaction between surface calcium in the concrete and a natural water-based stain. Consequently, the color is part of the surface of the concrete but, like a ceramic glaze, is susceptible to chipping. The color will gradually mellow, but you can speed up the process by hosing it down regularly or retard the process with an application of our water sealer.
natural grey
When our concrete is cast in its natural state, it is grey in color. These pieces will collect dust and dirt, promote the growth of moss and lichen, and have the classic look of aged statuary. Obviously, this look takes some time for mother nature to create, but it is the standard. When the piece becomes “dirty” with growth, all the details in the sculpture begin to stand out and the look is amazing.
Surface Effects
Concrete, brick, and terracotta surfaces exposed to moisture occasionally produce a crusty white mineral salt deposit called “efflorescence.” You can encourage this effect by repeated soaking and drying, or it can be brushed away should you wish to remove it.
To inhibit efflorescence, apply our water sealer while the piece is perfectly dry. To encourage moss growth, wet the surface with buttermilk and water and do not use a water sealer.
Protection
All Canadian-manufactured items come with an initial coating of water-sealer; US items do not. Sealing your statuary or garden ornament with a good quality concrete sealer will preserve the finish and stall the aging process, if desired. Sealer is applied with the handy spray bottle in which it is sold, and takes a brief few minutes to complete. This application should be repeated annually.
In cold climates, all outdoor statuary must be sealed. Sealing will protect the surface of the concrete from freezing and flaking, but will not keep a bowl or pond from cracking when frozen. ANY ITEM THAT HOLDS WATER MUST BE PROTECTED FROM FREEZING. Bowls and ponds can be inverted or covered and fountain pumps removed.
Fountain covers are available in all sizes from Classic Rock. Covers are the best protection for freezing winter weather.
Proper preparation of planters is essential, too. Lift planters 3/4″ to allow proper drainage.
We have been selling our product successfully for years in the subzero winters of Edmonton, Alberta. With proper care, our statuary stands up very well.
Warranty
Within one year of date of purchase Classic Rock will replace any piece found to have a manufacturer’s defect. This warranty does not cover damage caused by freezing.
Repair
Accidental damage to the product can usually be repaired easily and inexpensively. A touch-up kit is available for a nominal fee. We are also happy to give you a quote on doing the repair for you.