One of the highlights of a recent tour of Charlene and Rodney Loyd’s St. Joseph garden were the lotus plants. Delicate pink flowers surrounded by enormous green leaves.

While most people will focus on the flowers, it’s the leaves that will leave a lasting impression, especially when they are turned into stepping stones.

Mrs. Loyd says she has given some of her lotus leaves to fellow gardener Linda VanDyke of St. Joseph and Ms. VanDyke has turned those leaves into stepping stones.

“I’ve given them away for gifts,” Mrs. VanDyke.

She also says that leaf stepping stones, which are molded from cement, are easy to make. And the veiny pattern of the leaves make the stepping stones really unique.

“Anyone can do this project,” she says, “This is a great project for children and grandchildren.”

Ms. VanDyke, one of the founders of the St. Joseph Water Garden Society, says besides lotus leaves, elephant ears, rhubarb and bamboo also have veiny leaves that make great molds for the stepping stones.

Once the stepping stone is completed, it can be left plain or painted. Ms. VanDyke says the stones, which she considers yard art, can be tucked in among plants, or, if you’re really creative, turned into water fountains.

While the Internet is a great source to find instructions, Ms. VanDyke uses instructions from the Garden Gate magazine and shares those with our readers. The magazine’s Web site, www.gardengatemagazine.com also features step-by-step videos.

Here’s what you’ll need for the project: Portland cement (most common type of cement); silica sand (a very fine sand); play sand; cement bonding agent (helps strengthen cement; leaf can be made without this material); water; heavy-duty Saran Wrap; disposable gloves; leaves (hosta, lotus, rhubarb, banana, elephant ears); container to use for mixing (if doing several leaves at one time wheelbarrow may be used); trowel or hoe; level working surface; files; cement sealer; measuring cup.

Instructions:

Step 1. Moisten play sand with a few drops of water at a time until sand becomes the texture similar to that used for creating a beach sculpture. Put it onto a level surface.

Step 2. Shape a mound of that sand to be the same size of the leaf and cover it with plastic wrap. Place the leaf on the plastic, making sure the veins are facing you. Note: You will need to cut the stem off close to the leaf with a pair of sharp scissors before you place it on the plastic covered sand.

Step 3. Mix the cement by measuring an equal amount of Portland cement with the silica sand and then adding the cement bonding agent by using about ¼ to 3/8 of a cup per quart of the cement and sand mixture. Mix well.

Step 4. Add cement coloring, a few drops at a time while you continue to stir with trowel or hoe until mixture holds its shape, and is not thin. Note: if you do not want to add color at this time, you may paint you leaf with acrylic paint before sealing it.

Step 5. Use either trowel or your gloved hand, and place a small amount of the cement mixture into the center of the leaf.

Slowly and carefully, using your fingers, move the cement from the middle of the leaf to the edges of the leaf, making sure not to go beyond the edges of the leaf. Add cement mixture as needed. Keep the center of the veins thicker, while tapering the cement mixture towards the edges. The thickest area should be approximately ¼ inch to ½ inch depending on the size and type of leaf that you are sculpting. Place plastic wrap over the entire leaf, allow it to set about 36 to 72 hours.

Make sure it is completely dry before you slowly and gently remove the plastic wrap from the sand mound. Use great care as you file and taper the cement around the outer edges of the leaf to give it a realistic look. Finally, peel the leaf from the cement sculpture and admire your piece of art.