One (S)hell Of An Idea

I'm a big proponent of the "Buy Local" philosophy. There are food packages a plenty in my pantry and fridge with the words "Fresh From Florida" emblazoned on them. There's a sense of pride that comes with using items built, grown, and/or harvested in your own back yard. I guess it's that kind of thinking that instinctively led me to the Shellscape booth at this year's Landscape Show in Orlando. When I got in for a closer look, I noticed that the organic alternative groundcover product on display was, in fact, shell.

Available in several colors, this mulching option lends a distinct, decorative look and texture to the landscape that is uniquely Florida. Recently, I have become intrigued about mulch alternatives like recycled glass. Colored recycled glass looks really cool, but from what I know, it's kinda expensive and it's not easy to find as I've come up empty trying to locate it at several local box stores and garden centers. The more I saw of the shell product, the more I wanted to learn.

After speaking with Shawn Sundall and Ryan Krinsky of Shellscape, I was able to find out more about the product and its advantages. One big plus is that the shell is a byproduct of mining done right here on the sunny shores of the Sunshine State. A home-grown product. Now you are talking.

According to Shellscape's product literature, some of the advantages of using shell include:

• An organic byproduct from Florida mining (nice plug for those looking for a "green" angle)
  
• Shell can maintain its appearance longer
  
• It does not have to be replaced, just re-colored if desired (good for those looking to reduce costs)
  
• Allows optimal water flow and drainage
  
• Moderates soil-temperature fluctuations
  
• Natural fertilizer: Shell releases nutrients that plants need including calcium and phosphates
  
• Safe for kids and pets
  
• Colored shells can be maintained via spray application of a water-based natural coloring: Shells are colored via a dying process that is totally water based and has no toxins to affect either plant or living organisms
  
• Does not provide a natural habitat for insects and other pests
  
• Retains moisture


• Can be applied around fruit and vegetable plants where other mulch alternatives like rubber cannot
  

Sundall and Krinsky added that they have contacted the University of Florida about conducting research on the effectiveness of using shell as a landscape groundcover. I'm looking forward to those results as it should motivate more people to try shell as a landscape application.

During my booth visit, I was thinking in the back of my mind how this product could complement my landscape. I was able to snag a few hand-size samples (blue, red, and a natural color) and place them in a planting bed mixed with pebbles.

I really like the splashes of color and different texture it adds. Throw in the other environmental and low-maintenance benefits, and I can't wait to see what kind of impact a larger quantity of Shellscape shell has on my Florida yard.

Test Run: KeyPlex H/G

It's always fun going to trade shows and seeing the latest and greatest products suppliers have to offer. After hearing about and reading up on KeyPlex H/G (Home & Garden) at this year's Landscape Show in Orlando, I knew I wanted to try it out. According to product information, the chelated micronutrient and protein-based formula geared to home gardeners is an ideal supplement to a fertilizer program and can be applied to a host of plant material including flowering annuals and perennials, trees and shrubs, fruits and nuts, and veggies. Similar to KeyPlex's other line of products, H/G works by triggering a plant's natural defense mechanism, protecting it from disease and spurring new growth.

When I inquired about the efficacy of the product, Rich Johnston of KeyPlex Direct said, "Try it on anything that's green and grows." Hmmm. I had several plants at home in need of some TLC. So, I decided to take him up on the challenge.

Instead of trying the product on several different plants, I wanted to focus on one plant and take it from there. A pygmy date palm in my front yard was to be the test subject. Despite being on the heels of an average rainy season, the palm had recently started to droop and was displaying browning in the bulk of its fronds. Although the browning was heaviest on the lower leaves, some discoloration had found its way up into the canopy. Yep, this was going to be a good test.

Before applying the product for the first time, I pruned off all the fronds that were completely brown and had no green in them at all. Next it was time to read the directions, lock, load, aim and fire. For sickly looking plants, applying the product directly to the leaves until the point of runoff is recommended for those using the hose-end sprayer method.

About of minute or two of spraying took care of the initial foliar application of this diminutive specimen. The directions call for this same application process once a week until good color and "vigor" is back. Then it scales it back to once every 3-4 weeks for maintenance purposes.

My Impressions And Observations:

The environmentally friendly angle of the product is certainly of value and attractive to the end user. I liked the convenient hose-end sprayer, the lack of odor, and not having to wear gloves or a mask for protection during application.

After five consecutive weeks of applications, I have noticed marked improvement. New leaves have emerged and there are no signs of browning on them. I'd like to see a little more pop, however, before I say we've reached the point of vigorous. But I think we are getting there.

With that, my 32 oz. bottle has run its course. Luckily, I have a second bottle I will continue treatment with on this palm and then try on another candidate.

Stay tuned to see how things progress.