Mountain Moss — moss landscaping
Moss Landscaping Services 0
Our landscape services include site consultations, turn-key installations and a bit of hand-holding for DIY folks with our moss garden mentoring option. As a licensed NC Landscape Contractor and expert on moss gardening, Mossin’ Annie and her trained moss team can transform your garden with the year-round green appeal of verdant mosses. Our largest project to date, over 2500 square feet of mosses installed in Madison, Georgia between snow storms in February 2014, is looking magnificent this year. Time is the true test of success! 
Another major cool project now in the works is the Ira B. Jones Elementary School Alumni Moss Garden in Asheville, NC. 
Childhood friends are organizing an alumni group crossing all generations to create a learning moss garden as our first effort together. To complement the learning garden, we’ll develop a protocol for curriculum standards to mirror the expectations of science educators who teach about the Plant Kingdom. We want to expand the focus to include our planet’s first land plants – bryophytes. Donations are welcome in support of this educational program.
A shout out for DIY moss gardener, Dick Shullman in Connestee Falls near Brevard, NC. 
One of my lectures in Fall 2014 peaked his interest. Then a site consultation in November provided him with a better understanding of moss planting methods. And now, he’s become a moss gardener extraordinaire. In fact, his moss garden is so impressive already that it was included on the community garden tour in June 2015.
His gnome village is captivating.
Connecting with other MOSS LOVERS 0
Connecting with others and sharing moss tips is key to Mountain Moss’ outreach. We’ve jumped on the social media bandwagon and we’ve even started to produce some YouTube videos. Our Facebook group, Go Green With Moss, now has over 630 members (August 2015). Join in our mossy fun of exchanging ideas and posting interesting moss photos. Like pen pals of the past, we are forging new friendships on the Internet. I’m so happy to 
have finally met Moss Man, J. Paul Moore from Nashville, in person in July. 
Follow MossinAnnie on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for occasional posts and photographs. And don’t forget to like and subscribe to Mossin’ Annie’s YouTube channel.
Mountain Moss has entered the YouTube world with our own Mossin’ Annie’s channel. With the help of Aisha Adams Media, we have started to produce videos to share. If you are into “unboxing” videos, then you might enjoy the unboxing of the book manuscript and another video on the “unboxing” and “unveiling” when I received my author’s advance copy of my book – Momentous, moss-some occasions in my life! Check out these videos and others that provide insights into various topics about moss gardening. Like and Subscribe to keep up with more videos as they are released.
Mossin' Annie's New Mossery 0
Mountain Moss has a new Mossery which is located in a shady grove of mature pine trees in Brevard, NC.
The expanse of green appeal is moss-some! 
If you live nearby, we invite you to come to MOSS-apalooza – The Grand Opening of my Mossery and Book Release Party on Saturday, September 5th from 2 – 5 pm. You can stroll along paths or sit a spell to soak in all the beauty. At 2:30, expect a bit of speechifying about my book, The Magical World of Moss Gardening, and of course, I'll be happy to sign your book. You might find moss fairies flitting around this green oasis. If you are a moss DIYer, this is your opportunity to buy some cool mosses for your projects.
In 2015, we’ve tackled the enormous task of moving our Mossery and all of our moss cultivation operations to a convenient location near downtown. After clearing tons of English ivy in preparation (a challenging and laborious task captured on YouTube video), we have about 5000 sq ft of shade and sun moss species in production – container trays for DIY projects, moss mats that roll out like emerald carpets.
It’s a beautiful setting for a Mossery and only a couple of miles from home. My moss assistants and I get to enjoy cardinals, robins, doves, and even a crow (that we’ve named Royce) flitting all around and serenading us while we work. We can get into the swing of daily production duties to the beat of an incredible drummer, Jeff Sipe, whose studio is nearby. To our delight, we have three white squirrels and their gray brothers and sisters frolicking around. Occasionally, an Eastern box turtle wanders through. Sounds enchanting? Well, these pesky critters and birds create challenges for our cultivation efforts. We’ve resorted to using greenhouse-type shade screens over trays and mats to avoid devoting time to incessant repairs. The realities of being a moss farmer…
Have you been craving mosses for your home or business? Maybe it’s time to expand your moss footprint in your landscape. Autumn and even winter are ideal seasons to plant mosses. Transform your grass lawn into a moss carpet or create a small moss focal feature with live mosses available at our new Mossery or through our online Moss Shop. Shipped live and fresh, home gardeners and landscapers can select from a variety of mosses including familiar choices as well as exclusive specialty species.
We will continue to schedule special appointments for interested moss shoppers. In the near future, Mountain Moss will offer designated moss shopping days as well as a series of hands-on moss gardening classes/workshops at our new Mossery. I’ll keep you posted with details in the next newsletter. In the meantime, please realize that the Mossery is a production facility and therefore, it is NOT open to the general public on a regular basis. Thanks to Jeffrey Fletcher, innovative photographer, and his daughter, for being our very first “by appointment only” customers (http://jeffreymfletcher.com).
We’ve had some other distinguished visitors as well – Dr. Larry Mellichamp from Charlotte, NC (author, Native Plants of the Southeast, Timber Press, 2014); a group of student researchers from South Korea funded by LG Global Challenge; and J. Paul Moore, aka “Moss Man” and superb photographer from Nashville, TN (jpaulmoorephoto.com).
For a Mossery appointment or to rsvp for MOSS-apalooza and obtain directions, please contact: mossinannie@gmail.com.
Y'all come!
ORDER Mossin' Annie's Book -- The Magical World of Moss Gardening 0
I am so proud to announce that my book, The Magical World of Moss Gardening, will be officially released by Timber Press in August 2015. If you’ve been wanting to learn more about successful moss gardening methods and best species to incorporate in your designs, then you’ll find inspiration and guidance.
Since book quantities are limited, please order your autographed books (soft bound version or hard cover) from our Web site NOW! 
Mountain Moss will begin shipping copies in just a few days and Mossin’ Annie will personally autograph your book.
Mosses are a gardener’s dream. These emerald beauties thrive where nothing else grows, and they provide year-round interest in all climates. The variations in color, texture, shape, and even size will amaze you. In this inspiring guide, Annie Martin—Mossin’ Annie to her fans—covers the essentials for creating an extraordinary moss garden. With profiles of the best mosses to grow and expert advice on planting and care, you can create fascinating combinations and establish a verdant oasis to enjoy for years to come.
The impressive photographs provide inspiration as you explore the green grandeur of moss gardens. The significance of unique botanical characteristics and how-to tips will help readers understand how to achieve moss gardening success. Mosses that have proven to be winners are highlighted in the identification section setting the stage for gardeners to follow the right place, right moss guidelines. Techniques for enhancing your landscape with mosses encompass planting, maintaining and troubleshooting. In addition to Mossin’ Annie’s expertise, insights from other moss gardeners across the country are included in feature profiles. Chapters include:
Introduction – Moss Magic
Green Grandeur – A Tour of Moss Gardens
Bryophyte Basics – Botany and Natural History of Mosses
Mosses for Gardeners – 25 Bryophytes to Know and Grow
From Concept to Garden Plan – Designing with Mosses
Planting and Propagation – Establishing Your Moss Garden
Your Thriving Moss Garden – Maintenance and Troubleshooting
While content covers a wide range of topics, you’ll find the tone to be informative yet imprinted with the passion of a dedicated mosser. The connection of my spirit to the world around us is woven throughout my book. The significance of responsible land stewardship and environmental benefits of mosses are stressed. Although scientific terminology is used, I’ve used my own voice and recounted stories that impart how moss gardening is magical for me. 
I’ll share the opening paragraph:
“Every time I walk out my front door, my mosses greet me, triggering a smile in my heart. The magic of my garden engulfs my spirit, ant that internal smile instantaneously moves to my face. As I gaze at the dazzling mosaic of mosses in my garden, I feel immense joy and pride juxtaposed with calm. Throughout all the seasons, my mosses have a magnetic quality that engulfs me. Most often, I am catching a quick glimpse for an infusion of moss magic as I head into the world in my work as a moss landscape designer and moss farmer. What a divine way to start the day!”
For all my friends and moss-some supporters -- Share in my joy when I first held my book. Here's the YouTube video on Mossin' Annie's YouTube channel -- The Unboxing and Unveiling of The Magical World of Moss Gardening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxMPAybyUwM&feature=youtu.be
Here’s the behind-the-scenes book scoop... If you order an autographed book through Mountain Moss’ Web site, then you will be showing your direct support for all the years that I’ve spent gaining this knowledge and time spent writing this book to share what I’ve learned with other gardeners. Otherwise, I’ll receive a very small royalty -- approximately $1 – if you buy elsewhere. It’s your decision to support Mossin’ Annie, your local bookstore or Amazon. Needless to say, I’ll greatly appreciate you buying from me. Buy one for yourself. Share with friends and family, too. You’ll be delighted to see that smile appear on the face of your loved one when they open up The Magical World of Moss Gardening as a treasured birthday gift or holiday present.
NOTE: All book pre-orders need to be received no later than August 10th at 10 am so that you can be guaranteed an autographed copy in the very first shipment. Your book will be shipped around August 19th.
Fall 2013 Short Courses 0
Want to learn more about mosses from an expert? Wishing that you could identify mosses growing in your own yard or when you're hiking in the forest? Wondering which mosses can be featured in your garden? Mountain Moss is offering two classes in Fall 2013 through Brevard College's community education program – Creekside. Mossin' in the Woods will be held Sept 19 & 20. Moss Gardening class is scheduled for October 10 & 11. These classes will be open to the public. If you want to attend, please register through Brevard College located in Brevard, NC:
email: creekside@brevard.edu
Web site: www.brevard.edu/creekside
September 19 & 20, 2013, Thursday & Friday, 1-4 pm
Mossin' in the Woods
Botanists and moss lovers will marvel at mosses as the class takes a hike in the woods to learn about
WNCs oldest plants – bryophytes. Over 450 million years old, this region boasts over 450 types of
bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, hornworts). The first session meets at Brevard College for classroom
preparation with PowerPoint lecture and impressive photographs accompanied with moss specimens
to examine up close. Second session will be held in the field at Holmes Educational State Forest. As you stroll along with Mossin' Annie, common mosses that can be recognized with the naked eye will be highlighted. Pleurocarpus and acrocarpus types of mosses will be identified with emphasis on the differences of mosses when wet vs. dry as well as distinctions during reproductive stages. Participants will begin their own herbarium collection of moss specimens. A close-up lens or loupe is suggested.
Course registration fee for Brevard College: $65.
Supplies Fee to be paid to instructor during first session: $35.
October 10 & 11, 2013, Thursday & Friday, 1-4 pm
Magical, Marvelous Mosses: Green Solutions for Today's Gardeners
Explore the fascinating world of our native mosses and discover how these eco-friendly plants make
great horticultural choices for today's gardeners. Transylvania's moss expert, Annie Martin aka Mossin'
Annie, will share key information on how to assess your microclimate and to choose the right mosses
for the right place. First session conducted in classroom with PowerPoint program featuring moss
gardens and an introduction to moss gardening methods. Second session will be an on-site visit to
Mountain Moss' demonstration garden featuring 50 different species of bryophytes where you'll learn
how to create moss focal features and moss lawns. Each participant will have an opportunity to create
their own moss dish garden to keep. Containers, selection of live mosses, decorative rocks, lichens and
native plants provided to Creekside students.
Course registration fee for Brevard College: $65.
Supplies Fee to be paid to instructor during first session: $35.
To register for these Fall 2013 Creekside classes through Brevard College: www.brevard.edu/creekside
NOTE: Most of our educational programs are scheduled well in advance by garden clubs, Master Gardeners and environmental groups. Occasionally, Go Green With Moss lectures, workshops and hikes are held at botanical gardens or other public venues. To schedule a program for your group, please contact me directly: mossinannie@gmail.com. Schedule your upcoming events soon since lecture fees will most likely increase after my moss gardening book is published in 2015.
All blog content and photographs are the intellectual property of Mountain Moss.
Permission to use any portion must be obtained in writing from Annie Martin. Copyright 2013.
