Every time
I write a story it’s because I’ve been inspired by something I’ve seen or
heard. I was inspired recently by a
beautiful “moss garden.”
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| A little moss garden from Pinterest |
First:
Moss is not mildew and doesn’t damage other plants and household
surfaces the way mildew does. Although I’d
keep it off cedar roof shingles.
The
facts: Technically moss is a plant although it doesn’t
have true leaves, branches or roots.
Since it doesn’t have roots, it must absorb water in other ways. Also, it has no seeds but spreads by spores
or division. Typically, it grows in
colonies.
The needs:
Moisture – just damp not swampy.
Shade – keeps it from drying out as quickly. Acidic soil – A pH of about 5.5. Compacted soil – prefers compacted clay soil.
The
attitude: If you have the needs met and you have moss
growing – stop trying to get rid of it!
It’s like having the perfect conditions for roses and killing them
because you want a sand lot. Just stop!
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| Moss rock garden from Pinterest |
Developing
a moss garden can start with that bit you already have growing. Keep your new moss garden in that general
area since you already know it has the right conditions.
The
warnings: Moss harvested in deep shade will not grow as
well in an open lightly shaded area.
Yes, there are many different moss varieties. If you harvest your own, try to plant in a similar
situation. If you buy, ask the seller
which is right for your spot.
Transplanting:
Best time is spring or fall when there’s the most rainfall to help it
quickly establish. Make sure the area is
free of other growth (weeds, grass etc.) and simply lay your moss start onto
the damp soil, press gently and water.
For the first year, don’t allow it to dry out. Once established it will only need water if
there’s a drought.
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| Moss covered cement via Pinterest |
I had a
little moss garden in the back yard at my Galva house. I placed a bench, had some old rocks and
bricks around for visual depth and it was ever so lovely to walk on with bare
feet. I’d “groom” my little spot by
sitting and pulling any weeds (there wasn’t many) and picking off any sticks
and leaves. It’s an amazingly “garden Zen-like”
task.
Moss
gardens can be tiny, in little pots or logs, or large as in acres if you develop
the right conditions. They may
compliment other shade plants such as Hosta, ferns, or impatiens. Moss gardens look lovely with Japanese
gardens or even small raked gravel areas.
Moss will
take some gentle foot traffic but will not hold up to hard traffic or
tires. Moss can be used as part of fairy
gardens; it lends a mystical look. It doesn’t
work for playgrounds.
Moss is a
wild plant so don’t take huge amounts from woodland areas and especially if it’s
not your woodland. National Forests (and
some State and local parks) prohibit harvesting any vegetation.
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| A small portion of Dale Sievert's moss gardens. |
If you’d
like inspiration, check out Dale Sievert’s blog:
http://www.sievertgardens.blogspot.com
If you
crave – NEED – serenity and calm,
consider a moss garden. It can be a
process that enriches you as it enriches your plot of land. You may find you are embracing natural garden
things you hadn’t imagined you’d love:
fog and dew, lack of lawn grasses, an old world vibe and the textures of
green.
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| Back yard moss garden from Pinterest |
If you’re
wondering if it a moss garden will hold up to our winters, Mr. Sievert’s
gardens are in Wisconsin and do nicely.
Mine was in little Galva Illinois and did nicely. If you’re new to moss gardening, start small
and learn as you go. A little pot of
moss beside your kitchen sink, under the cabinet, in a sweet little saucer
could be all you need. Ten acres,
landscaped and groomed, well maybe someday – just maybe someday.
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