Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
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
Groundcover for Massachusetts campus
April 01, 2012 - Our campus is converting to more sustainable landscaping practices, and in the process we are planting native plants and removing lawn. Thus we would like to replace the lawn, and some invasive groun...
view the full question and answer
Need to plant something in the cracks in my patio in Skipperville, AL.
February 06, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Pants,
I have a cement patio full of cracks. I would like to grow some sort of plant or plants in the cracks. I live in lower Alabama, and my patio is in full sunlight. Do you have an...
view the full question and answer
Removing St. Augustine for natives in Grapevine TX
September 29, 2012 - We have St Augustine in our yard and we hate it. It guzzles water, we have to cut it often, and it's thick and hard to work with.
Anyway, we want to replace it with a combination of some kind of g...
view the full question and answer
Splash-proof plants from Oakton VA
October 01, 2012 - Hi Mr Smarty Plants,
Re: low, evergreen ground cover, Northern Virginia
The bare soil around my freshly painted screen porch splashes up onto the white framing when it rains so I am looking for ...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA
December 06, 2012 - Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |