Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
2 ratings

Friday - October 31, 2008

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Locating free tumbled glass for mulch in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Do you know where tumbled glass can be obtained for free in Austin? You've used it as a mulch at the Center. Someone in one of my Native U classes mentioned that it can be gotten free somewhere in Austin.

ANSWER:

In this article Zanthan Gardens: From Garbage to Garden we were directed by a link to the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, but that webpage seems to have been changed. However, we did get the main switchboard number, 512-239-1000, and perhaps they can give you more information. By asking around at the Wildflower Center, we found out they had been receiving tumbled glass mulch from Texas Disposal Systems which includes an operation called "Eco Depot". However, our informant at the Wildflower Center told us that the last shipment of the tumbled glass was very disappointing, full of sand and plastic bits and pieces. Another article "Vert" added some more information about the quality of the material. We suggest you make some calls and find out how to make an appointment to pick up materials.

 

More Groundcovers Questions

Groundcovers for steep slope in East Texas
July 15, 2008 - I HAVE A LAKE LOT IN EAST TEXAS ON TOLEDO BEND RESERVOIR IN HEMPHILL TEXAS. THE LAKE LOT IS BEAUTIFUL BUT VERY STEEP. IN SOME SPOTS IT IS ENTIRELY TOO STEEP TO MOW. IT WAS COMPLETELY GROWN UP WHEN WE ...
view the full question and answer

What will grow in red clay in Conroe TX?
April 10, 2011 - We just built a new home and the foundation was poured on red clay which is what my flowerbed area is in. Could you please tell me what can be planted that will grow. I am looking for ground cover, fl...
view the full question and answer

Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens
January 31, 2012 - What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather?
view the full question and answer

Groundcover for Boston MA
March 12, 2013 - We have a small back yard that gets great sun in spring before the leaves are fully back on the tall trees surrounding the perimeter, and then a lot of shade in summer. We have weird patchy grass and ...
view the full question and answer

Low maintenance, native plants for sloping drive near Philadelphia
October 20, 2004 - My cabin is located in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia. I am looking for low maintenance plants that would look good on the sides of a driveway that slopes upward. This is a potential project fo...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.