CONGRATULATIONS, YOU ARE NOW THE PROUD OWNER OF A HANSEN'S ORNAMENT!

Our cast stone products are created with a proprietary blend of concrete to tolerate our varied Canadian weather conditions. You can expect your garden ornament to provide you with many years of enjoyment if certain care and maintenance is applied.

FOUNTAINS

Important: Do not let the water run dry or freeze while pump is in the fountain.

Before the sign of first frost:

- Drain all water from bowls and remove pump. If water remains in any bowls and freezes, this may cause cracking

- If possible, dismantle fountain and place bowls vertically on their side or bring indoors. It is recommended to store fountain pieces in a covered area such as a garage, covered porches, or shed before the coldest months arrive.

- If you cannot dismantle the fountain, ensure the fountain is dry, wrap the pump cord inside the pump housing, then cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek and wrap to ensure that it stays in place. Using plastic tarps has been done however, it is not recommended. The plastic can hold moisture in and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete. Fountain covers are readily available at various retailers online.

- A water based clear concrete sealer may be applied to the inside walls of the bowls to aid in cleaning and moisture retention.

- Never use abrasive cleaners or brushes to clean your fountain. You may use pressure washer on lowest setting.

- Ensure your fountain base/pieces are placed above the frost line/ground surface. Apply a small layer of stone, pot feet or any type of riser underneath to prevent water freeze/thaw damage.

-If your fountain has a stained colour finish, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach. Keep away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish. Visit our Concrete Finishes Care page for more tips.

BIRBATHS

At the sign of first frost:

- Drain all water from bowls.

- If possible dismantle the birdbath and place the water bowl vertically on the side, or store the bowl indoors. It is recommended to store birdbaths in a covered area such as a garage, covered porches, or shed before the coldest months arrive.

- If you cannot dismantle the birdbath, then cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek and wrap to ensure that it stays in place. Using plastic is not recommended. The plastic can hold moisture in and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete.

-If your birdbath has a stained colour finish, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach. Keep away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish. Visit our Concrete Finishes Care page for more tips.

PLANTERS

At the sign of first frost:

- Empty your planters completely of all soil and plant debris. Soil in containers should always be replaced yearly to ensure that plants would thrive.

- It is recommended to store planters in a covered area such as a garage, covered porches, or shed before the coldest months arrive.

- If storage is not possible, turn planter on its side, upside down, or cover with weatherproof canvas or Tyvek. Using plastic is not recommended because it can hold moisture and will freeze and thaw causing stress on the cast stone/concrete.

- A water based clear concrete sealer may be applied to the inside walls of the planters and bowls (and re-applied periodically). This may help with cleaning and plants that need more soil moisture.

- Ensure your planters are placed above the frost line/ground surface. Apply a small layer of stone, pot feet or any type of riser underneath to prevent water freeze/thaw damage.

-If your planter has a stained colour finish, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or bleach. Keep away from road salt or gardening chemicals, as these may damage the finish. Visit our Concrete Finishes Care page for more tips.

General winterizing tips

The most important things to consider for overwintering your concrete pieces are preventing moisture absorption and avoiding chemical damage.

Avoid chemicals: Keep concrete items away from harsh road salts, chemical de-icers or gardening chemicals.

Prevent Water Absorption: Do not allow water to fill and freeze inside any basin, bowl or items that can hold water. The repeated ice freeze/thaw cycle may damage or crack the item.

Apply a Sealer: If your item has a colour stain or clear sealer, re-applying a breathable, high-quality water based concrete sealer every 3 to 5 years is suggested.

Elevate, Move or Wrap: Items that may fill up with water/ice should be protected from the harsh winter by wrapping or covering them. Items may be stored in covered areas such as a garages, covered porches, or sheds before the coldest months arrive. If keeping planters full during winter (decorated winter planters) ensure they are placed above the frost line/ground surface. Apply a small layer of pea stone, pot feet or any type of riser underneath to prevent water freezing damage.