Last Friday we introduced Larkspur, a cast concrete planter, designed by Larry Kornegay of Kornegay Design in Phoenix. Paula and Larry Kornegay were our gracious hosts.

When we were in the product development stage, I was lucky enough to visit their plant in Phoenix.  Like Landscape Forms, they office in the same building where their products are manufactured.

Their facility is a showroom for many planter styles in various stages of manufacturing.

Fiberglass molds are stored, and as needed filled with colored concrete.

This is the concrete mixer mixing concrete, preparing to fill the molds.

Color is added to the concrete mixers, and mixed thoroughly before pouring into molds.

Leftover colors, made into color samples.

When filled, the concrete is “shaken” to remove air bubbles.  Think about the last time you made an angel food cake.  Same process.

Planters remain in the molds for 24 hours, before breaking free for more of the curing process.

Packaging has to be very precise, because planters can weigh over 1,500 pounds, and require a forklift to move.

Planters are stored outdoors as they cure.

At the end of the day, no trip to Phoenix is complete without a trip to Paula and Larry’s favorite Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale.  Los Olivos even has a concrete donkey out front.  Don’t miss it on your next trip to Scottsdale!