Glass Mulch?

When we think of mulch, most of us probably think of wood mulch or possibly rubber mulch. There is a newer product on the market that is becoming popular and starting to catch on in Oklahoma, especially since it doesn't wash or blow away, and is great for the environment. Tulsa World published an article about Garden Glass of Oklahoma last fall that introduces glass mulch well. Consider something different for your garden and read on.

Glass mulch catching on in Oklahoma gardens
by Amanda Fite

Landscapers on the coasts are already hip to a trend that's new to Oklahoma: recycled glass chips that, among other things, make a good mulch.

It's real, it's definitely different, and it's about as "green" as it gets.

The mulch is made when recycled bottles are broken and tumbled to smooth out the edges.

"The pieces can be used for a variety of things, including landscaping," said Leigh Murray, owner of Garden Glass of Oklahoma.

The glass is available in four colors: brown, green, clear and mixed.

Chad Burden, who's made news with his eco-friendly home construction in midtown Tulsa, said he's been using the glass as mulch for a couple of months now. He chose the brown, which looks like rich, pigmented mulch.

"It seems to be working as well as my regular mulch," he said, "and it's prettier for sure."

Burden puts material underneath the glass to keep it from sinking into the dirt. Its weight keeps the mulch from floating away in an Oklahoma rainstorm.

Murray said the glass also doesn't fade or disintegrate, so there's no need to replace it every year.

"You don't have to keep doing it," Burden agreed. "No mulch and remulch."

According to Murray's website, the glass is also safe for kids and animals and is a natural deterrent to slugs.

But the garden glass isn't just for mulching. Gas fire pits and fireplaces
are another place to try the glass chips. (Natural wood fires burn a bit too hot.) It can also be used to:

* Accent driveways, walkways, garden paths, water features and fish ponds

* Create designs and patterns in your landscape

* Fill terrariums, aquariums, flower arrangements and birdbaths

However you use it, the glass definitely adds design flavor.

"It's a little bit funkier," Burden said. "After a rain, it looks beautiful. ... I hope it catches on here."

A 50-pound bag of the glass sells for $15 and covers about 8 square feet, Murray said. For more information, call 232-0210, or go to tulsaworld.com/gardenglass

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=41&articleid=20100904_17_D3_CUTLIN790454

To buy glass mulch in the Broken Arrow, OK. area, contact Leigh Murray of Garden Glass of Oklahoma at 918-232-0210 or www.gardenglassofoklahoma.com.