Recently, I was planting some new Hostas for my shade garden and finished the job with the new red-dyed mulch. Even though the hostas weren't fully grown, the contrast of the red mulch and the variegated green leaves sure looked impressive.

In addition to the red-dyed mulch, you may want to try the black-dyed. This one has been popular in the mid-south, but it is just now catching on here in the north. Just imagine bright green against a background of black. It is stunning.

As much as I like these dyed mulches, I have to admit the contrast they provide is nothing compared to the new tumbled glass mulch that was an instant hit at a local garden and patio show as well as a nurserymen convention in Atlanta. You are starting to see this dazzling mulch everywhere, shopping malls included.

This mulch comes in various colors - green, blue, white, a hot new red and, I am told, even a glow-in-the-dark color. While they would be incredible in a desert theme, the glass mulch will fit any style that would otherwise use regular wood or pine straw mulch.

Because the glass is tumbled, you don't have to worry about getting cut. Several homeowners also are incorporating Christmas lights in the mulch.