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.