Mountain Moss — moss gardening

Right Plant, Right Place 0

One of the guiding principles of horticulture is right place, right plant. It stands to reason that we should apply this guideline when moss gardening. Because mosses are generally piled into one big category called MOSS, it can be a challenge to figure out which moss (bryophyte) will be the right moss for your landscape needs. First, you need to know how to recognize the various types of bryophytes. Next, determine the bryophyte-specific considerations for preferred substrate, sun exposure, humidity requirements, appropriate pH, and other factors contributing to the overall microclimate of your intended moss location. So far, this seems pretty straightforward BUT... The first barrier to knowledgable moss gardening, beyond haphazard success, is identification of the appropriate mosses. Since there is a field guide for every other plant, rock, lichen, mushroom, etc., my first inclination was to get a moss ID book BUT... NO comprehensive bryophyte (moss) ID guide exists in print that features color photographs. However, I have found Internet resources and several regional guides prepared by bryologists to be excellent references for learning about mosses. I use Crum and Anderson's

Mosses of Eastern North America

as my primary botanical reference bible. It is definitely comprehensive providing pen and ink illustrations of thousands of mosses (but no color photographs.) BUT... mosses can look drastically different in wet vs. dry states. In books, journals and Web image galleries, the available photographs rarely illustrate both extremes. To further complicate the challenge of identification, some mosses require an “up close and personal” look using a loupe (at least 10x). Some of the tiniest mosses require an even closer inspection by examining the cell arrangement of the leaf through a microscope. Some species can best be distinguished only during sporophytic stage. Resources to assist you in this identification process will be addressed in more detail in subsequent posts. Assuming you know which moss is appropriate, the next step is to determine under which conditions it will survive and thrive. Once again, my research instincts led me to print and Internet resources. There are limited references out there but I recommend reading all you can. Please note: Some of the “best” resources perpetuate moss myths and speak in generalizations. Networking with other moss gardeners and mutually sharing experiences has been most beneficial. It is good to have mossin' buddies with whom to discuss both successes and failures. Our body of knowledge continues to grow with new books, Web sites and image galleries providing valuable information as we all cooperate and collaborate on our moss journeys. If this quest for extensive bryophyte knowledge is beyond your desires and you'd like to just find out the right place, right plant answers, eventually this Blog will address a full range of specific topics valuable in starting and maintaining a successful moss landscape. Also, please check out bryophyte types in my image gallery at www.mountainmoss.com Today's blog provides food for thought. The main point is that moss is not just moss. There over 20,000 bryophytes worldwide, so, a right moss exists for the right place in your garden. Rather than generalizations about "MOSS", specific guidelines will be provided in future that will answer many of your questions. To other moss gardeners, what insights can you provide about the right places you've found for featuring specific mosses in your landscape design?

Magnificent Moss Garden Tour - May 16 0

Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting an expansive moss garden? On Sunday, May 16, one of western North Carolina's finest gardens will be the focus of an extraordinary moss tour – Meandering through the Moss: 2010 Kenilworth Garden Tour at the Home of John Cram and Matt Chambers, Asheville, NC. http://mountainmoss.com/index.php?id=37 Experience the magical world of mosses, our indigenous bryophytes, as you meander through six spectacular acres in historic Kenilworth including 1.5 miles of verdant trails and a 3000 sq ft expansive moss lawn. Unique for this year's event will be informative guided tours, led by Mossin' Annie, providing insights into the botanical characteristics, environmental benefits and sustainable landscape solutions of WNC's bryophytes. This private garden was established over 50 years ago by Asheville landscape designer, Doan Ogden, who also designed the University of North Carolina-Asheville Botanical Gardens. It exemplifies the sustainability of mosses in the landscape as the green backdrop for many spectacular azaleas, rhododendrons and colorful flowers. The current owners have maintained the original integrity of their garden while enhancing it with incredible art sculptures by some of the nation's finest sculptors. Rain or shine, garden visitors are encouraged to bring a loupe or magnifying glass to take their own closer look. Flat shoes or bare feet are requested. Net proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the educational programs of the NC Native Plant Society and Mountain Moss Enterprises. Enjoy Southern hospitality at its best in this serene, green retreat and discover how you can... Go Green With Moss! Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010 Garden hours: 9:30 am – 7 pm Tour Times: 10, 12, 2, 4, 6 Admission: $35 ticket (moss guided tour); $25 (garden only, self-guided tour) Space is limited. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://mountainmoss.com/index.php?id=37 [caption id="attachment_390" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Your Moss Garden Invitation"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_391" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Check out this giant copper ball scultpure."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_392" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Impressive Cone Sculptures"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_393" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Mossy trail"][/caption]

More than one “expert” opinion about watering mosses! 0

Good Morning Mossers! As this blog gets up and running, I want to encourage each of you to join in discussions and provide your own moss experiences. I hope this platform will be embraced as an opportunity to learn and share with each other. Although mosses have been around for 450 million years, we still have few actual protocols, beyond generalizations, about incorporating mosses in landscapes. My mossy advice is based upon my own successes since I began introducing mosses intentionally into my own garden over ten years ago. When I started Mountain Moss Enterprises, I researched, networked, observed and experimented, sometimes pushed the envelope of my expectations. It is my desire to share the knowledge I've gained with others. With that said, please realize that, at this point, we have almost no documented research regarding moss cultivation, including optimal watering regimes. There are so many variables that could impact the success of your moss garden. Eventually, this blog will examine the implications for further research required to build our common body of knowledge within the scientific community and available to the general public. As with any gardening methods, there might be more than one way to achieve successful results and experienced moss gardeners may not always agree. Although I strongly recommend watering frequently for short sessions, there are other moss gardeners who do not share this philosophy. I've been told the Japanese grand masters do not provide supplemental watering, relying upon rainfall as the only source. Another moss gardener in the American Midwest promotes this perspective and warns that if supplemental watering occurs, then you should only use collected rainwater or distilled water. His advice is sensible since it is possible that city water sources might include additional harmful chemicals and an undesirable pH. I happen to be located in an ideal climate for mosses – a topic that will be covered another time. Yet, I do supplement natural rainfall. I encourage harvesting rain and using it as your best back-up bartender for thirsty mosses. In my opinion, lack of watering can be detrimental to the aesthetic appeal of green mosses. However, overwatering is not recommended either. My home water source is a community well which is fed by a natural mountain spring. The water from the tap is a pH of around 7. Although I suggest misting, I usually spray with a variety of aerial patterns – quick, rapid movements in horizontal and vertical arrays. Please note that I've watered at all times of the day and night for the last decade without any negative repercussions. As interest grows in mosses as viable horticultural choices and we learn which bryophyte types respond to which variables, we'll have a better chance for overall success. Remember, moss is not just moss. There are many types with different requirements for optimum growth. Learning the right moss for the right place is the real key for a sustainable moss landscape. To Water or Not to Water – our mossy question of the day. What do you think?

WELCOME 0

Welcome to Mountain Moss Enterprises' Blog! Join me in discovering the magic of mosses juxtaposed with the practical environmental benefits of mosses in sustainable landscapes. Whether you are a landscaper, green roof designer, urban planner, home gardener or just another moss lover like me, you'll find out how to choose the right moss for the right place for successful moss gardening applications.

I've been called a “true moss maven”, moss artist, and sometimes even a moss maniac... but, most people just call me Mossin' Annie. I started my own moss journey making my first moss terrarium when I was a little girl. I still enjoy the miniature world of mosses advocating the viability of mosses as a desirable horticultural choice. My innovative designs create year-round green delight in landscape installations by featuring the myriad of textures and shades of green of western North Carolina's indigenous bryophytes.

This blog will mainly address moss questions and answers. Beyond FAQs, I'll provide links to other informational sites, discuss related GREEN issues and provide insights into my moss world... always promoting an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration with other moss advocates. I invite you to participate in discussions and share your own mossy perspectives. Go Green With Moss!

Please visit my Web site: http://www.mountainmoss.com for more info and a glimpse into my image gallery. Facebook folks, I invite you to join my Go Green With Moss group and to become a fan of Mountain Moss Enterprises.