Glass mulches

One of the interesting new developments in landscape design is the use of recycled materials for mulch or decorative purposes. A recent question to my web site was concerning the availability of glass cullett for mulch or other purposes. In researching the answer I found a site that lists the use of crushed glass as an aggregate in potting soils. It was found that this was feasible and had no known disadvantages. To find that web site

While many suppliers state that the glass is tumbled to remove the sharp edges that remain after the glass is crushed it is easier in my opinion to process the glass pieces by putting them through a heating process. I have done this using my ceramic kiln or the small kiln that I have for processing lost wax castings. Small rounded buttons of colored glass have been used for aquaria, pools and jewelry making for many years. For those purposes only small amounts are required but for landscaping larger quantities will be needed. On Tramway medians in Northeast Albuquerque glass has been used to simulate stream beds.

This definition of the glass cullet from one web site shows that that company at least recognizes that some users will use this method.
Furnace Ready Container Glass Cullet: contaminate-free scrap container glass as defined by ISRI glass specifications, either crushed or whole.
I have also tumbled polished rocks using the small hobby tumblers that are easily found in rock shops. Those rocks are also available from many sources including rock shops, flea markets, craft stores and novelty stores.

The following web links will help you find sources, uses and a picture of one use. Some of these are from Sunset Magazines web site.

"Succulent plants such as agaves, aloes, Sand echeverias are often associated with heat-loving landscapes. But put glass mukh--instead of gravel--over the soil under their fleshy leaves, and suddenly these plants take on a cool, fresh look. "It's like placing jewels on a velvet cloth," says Los Angeles garden designer Judy M. Horton, whose potted plants are shown here. "The contrast really makes the plants stand out."

Pieces of frosty tumbled glass also emphasize succulents' other-worldly qualities. "Succulents remind me more of sea creatures than plants," Horton says.

There are two things to keep in mind. Although glass mulch looks cool, it can get hot, especially in small pots exposed to full summer sun, In the desert or other hot inland locations, move containers to a lightly shaded area to avoid burning plants. Also, glass pebbles look best when they are litter-free. To make them easier to clean, lay landscaping fabric over the soil surface before adding pebbles. That way you can brush the pebbles into a colander to wash them as needed.

Sources

Horton's glass mulches come from the Glass Garden, Los Angeles (www.iandscape2go.com or 213/368-9220). They are made from recycled glass, so the availability of certain colors might be limited or variable. Cost is $65 plus shipping for a 50-pound bag.

For a smaller amount, check with well-stocked pet- or aquarium-supply stores, which often sell flattened glass marbles in a variety of sparkling colors for about $6 a pound.: