Landscape glass shines brightest when you know how to use it.

Landscape glass is in a class of its own. Also called glass mulch, it can dress up your plant beds or pool area with snap, crackle and pop depending on the style and color you choose. ArtisTree’s secret tip? Whatever you do, don’t get carried away.

“I like landscape glass for very specific situations where a highlight is needed to give a little extra pop that can’t be achieved with gravel,” says ArtisTree Landscape Designer Brian Clouser. “Smaller pool-deck planters can look very nice with it, especially if there’s a firepit nearby with matching fire glass.

“When planting in glass for your landscape, I think it looks best with cleaner, individual plants such as bromeliads, agaves, apostle iris and foxtail fern.”

Scale of use and overhead irrigation.

Clouser says that planting considerations for landscape glass should be the same as they are for gravel. He’s not keen on using it in areas with overhead irrigation because it can leave a filmy haze if the water contains sediment or minerals. “My caution is that the glass can quickly go from nice and unique to hokey and cheap. I don’t like it for large areas of coverage. Scale is important to keep it looking right.”

ArtisTree Landscape Vice President Joe Mantkowski agrees. “Pool planters are the perfect spot for landscape glass in lieu of the river rock and other stone customarily seen,” he says. “It’s also a great way to dress up selected areas where you want to showcase evergreen plant material, flowering plants and foliage color. My clients who frequently entertain outdoors like it for the shimmery mood it creates.”

Landscape glass should enhance, not steal the focus.

Clouser is quick to remind that landscape glass should be used to accent your landscape or pool area, not dominate it. That means careful placement and thoughtful color/style choices. “Almost any color is available but that doesn’t mean every color will look good,” he says. “Darker and deeper colors tend to look better. And because it’s a man-made product – a mix of real glass and other materials like resin – you can find it tumbled smooth for a polished or slightly crackled with more defined edges. Very easy to match to your existing design.”

If you’re looking for a substitute to natural stone, consider landscape glass for a cool, contemporary look. Live in Sarasota, Manatee or Charlotte counties? Contact ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design to meet with one of our award-winning designers. 941.488.8897, ext. 312.

Call ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897

To get your landscape renovation started now, browse ArtisTree’s portfolio and then call Jenni Lassen at 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to meet with one of our award-winning designers. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

Category Landscape Design, News