How to Design a Garden with Tumbled Glass

A planter area with clear tumbled glass

Tumbled glass can be used as a accent, alternative to gravel, or a design element in the landscape. It is safe to walk upon and will give the garden a unique flair. You can also use it for a striking effect in interior gardens. Here are some ways to design it into your garden -- indoors or out.

Instructions

1. Tumbled glass is made of mostly recycled glass that has been broken into small gravel-sized pieces and tumbled in machines until smooth -- much like an ocean will do to sea glass or a polisher will do to stones.

2. Clear glass usually takes on a frosted look from the abrasion of tumbling. As a result it looks a lot like ice or, when the sun glances off of it, diamonds. Different colors glow in different lights and create different effects.

3. 

   Use tumbled glass as mulch to decoratively cover soil. It will allow water to penetrate to plant roots and becomes a 'permeable' pavement that discourages water from washing off. It will not retain heat as much as regular gravel, but will still work as an excellent insulator. It is best to underline the area you are using with a good weed-block fabric first, then spread your glass on top.

4. Try using tumbled glass in small areas where the impact will not be too overwhelming. It will make a strong designer statement. You can also use it as an accent by sprinkling tumbled glass around accented areas of regular gravel or creating thin border areas that outline pathways or planters. You can even use tumbled glass to top-dress potted plants and make the soil surface decorative.

Resources

• Gates & Croft Horticultural Design Info & Ideas