Moss Nursery–The Mountain MOSSERY

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Mountain Moss is happy to announce expansion of our nursery operations – The MOUNTAIN MOSSERY! While Mountain Moss focuses our moss collection on rescues from high impact sites, we recognize the value of cultivating bryophytes for sustainable landscape applications. We have addressed issues of propagation and conducted our own research on growing all types of bryophytes with an emphasis on fast-growing types and those mosses that tolerate sun exposures. Our goal is to introduce new eco- moss options to environmentally-conscious homeowners, landscapers and green roofers.

In 2010, Mountain Moss Enterprises received a grant through the NC Tobacco Trust Fund, Western North Carolina Agricultural Options program. We proceeded to research container production and develop methodologies for cultivating mosses as a potential cash crop for small farmers that historically have been dependent on tobacco farming. The study included 20 kinds of mosses and liverworts, various substrates and supplemental watering regimes. No chemicals were used in production, and therefore, groundwater contamination was nil. While further horticultural research is indicated that is bryophyte specific, we have determined preliminary types and started to develop BMPs (best management practices).

As an aspiring entrepreneur with limited funds for research, I continue to take steps toward growing the moss industry in a responsible manner with emphasis on alternative energy sources and rainwater harvesting. “With a little help from our friends”... and family... we are determined to move forward. Thanks to Claire and Eric Stephenson for the use of their cold frame in Cedar Mountain during our first phase of nursery production. Now, MAJOR THANKS to Betsy Smith for sharing her land in Penrose as we move into our next phase of field production.

Mountain Moss is happy to announce the opening of our new nursery – The Mountain MOSSERY. We started setting up operations on Talley Road near Brevard this week. Dale, Leila and I looked like the “Beverly Hillbillies” moving in but in good spirit, the Three MOSSketeers worked hard and accomplished a lot. The site offers both shade and sun locations with a Northwest exposure. While we will rely upon a well and traditional power source initially, we hope to include alternative energy such as solar power and water supplies from rainwater harvesting, holding pond or the nearby mountain stream using a RAM pump in the future.

In addition to continued research, we are expanding field production areas and developing pre-vegetated moss mats. Our Mountain Moss Mats will make it easy to install a moss lawn or green roof. Our new site offers a tin roof for experimentation on BMPs regarding mosses for green roofs. We are committed to field-testing our concepts before they are formally introduced to the market place. Sustainability of moss applications can only be proved with successful results that last over time.

Our business approach is based upon principles of responsible land management that are environmentally-friendly and moss applications that will last for years to come. We are excited about this next step in distinguishing Mountain Moss as a premier supplier of quality LIVE mosses through our research and expertise in practical moss gardening. The MOUNTAIN MOSSERY is now a reality! We've accomplished another milestone toward our BIG mossy ideas. Go Green With Moss!