“The wild flower garden supports hundreds of dragonflies, butterflies and moths. We have flowers such as cosmos, rudbeckias, zinnias and bronze fennel, which is a host plant for the anise butterfly. The garden also has herbs such as rosemary and three to four varieties of lavender. The predominant plantings are ornamental grasses and there are also several varieties of day lilies.”
— Adrienne Taylor
glass mulch transforms rubbish into jewels
Photograph by Brian Vann
Anita Davis LLC commissioned a partnership between Greener Living Sustainable Solutions and GüsDesignCoop on a project specifically focused in landscaping and decorative elements utilizing glass recycling.
This sustainable project added glass mulch pathways and a countertop featuring the state of Arkansas at The Bernice Garden. Not only was recycled glass used for pathways, it also was incorporated in concrete bases and surfaces.
Brett Newman, owner of Greener Living Sustainable Solutions, and David Anderson, owner of GüsDesignCoop, focused on the planning and creation of these additions to the garden. Both companies are focused on creating alternative approaches to reusing materials to create an aesthetic that brings color to the landscape in any season. This alternative approach is the incorporation of recycled glass in building and landscaping at The Bernice Garden.
So why glass mulch? The glass is tumbled so it is not sharp. It is colorful and eye-catching during all seasons. And, in comparison to wood mulch, glass does not absorb moisture. This reduces water evaporation and prevents excess rotting for the benefit of the plant roots, thus protecting the plant.
Another benefit for glass recycling is mixing it in concrete, and you can find these features at the base of the limestone tables found at the garden. Although most of the countertops are finished with durable stainless steel, there is one unique feature to a table found at the west entrance – the state of Arkansas made from poured concrete and glass.
“I had the idea for making the top in the shape of Arkansas for quite some time and was stoked when David thought it sounded like a great idea. It was a collaborative effort as far as the design went, regarding color and topography,” Newman said.
We at The Bernice Garden hope these elements are inspiring to Arkansans to start thinking of how they can utilize glass recycling in their projects. By recycling glass in this way, it keeps it out of our landfills and from making problems for generations to come. Come to The Bernice Garden and get inspired on how you can create the world you want utilizing recycled glass.