May 2011 Newsletter - Part 4 0

MARCHANTIA on my MIND

Usually I feature a moss in each newsletter but this time I have Marchantia on my mind – a liverwort. Sometimes liverworts are mistaken for mosses but this most common worldwide liverwort is easy to distinguish. A thallose liverwort with BIG leaves (at least big for bryophytes), Marchantia polymorpha can be found in all types of climates from arctic regions to tropical forests. Instead of the typical style moss sporophytes, this “moss cousin,” has reproductive “umbrellas”. Gemmae cups are clearly visible on the round-lobed leaves illustrating another reproductive function. Marchantia p. has a deep, brilliant green color that almost glows in the landscape.

If we interpret scientific observations of this liverwort in its natural surroundings and habitats, we once again discover how yet another bryophyte could be valuable as a preferred horticultural choice for solving environmental issues of erosion control and restoration of disturbed habitats. Documented research indicates that the rhizoids of Marchantia intertwine and securely attach to soil substrates in tight mats. Erosion control can be achieved by purposefully introducing this fast-growing liverwort described as an early “invader” of fire sites. In nature, it is considered an early succession plant and in several years other vascular plants move in to dominate the area as these liverworts help rebuild the soil. However, sometimes the tight mats hamper new growth of other seedlings. It can thrive on disturbed soils high in heavy metals such as lead, zinc and chelated copper but regular copper hampers growth. It prefers subcalcareous soil conditions (pH 6.0) under full sunlight.

Now, the real reason Marchantia is on my mind is that I'm having great success introducing this liverwort as a lawn option. Since it is considered a “weed” because of its fast-growing properties, I decided to try it out in my moss lawn experiments. Rescued from an urban greenhouse where it was considered a bother, this liverwort was planted last fall and exposed to snow and freezing temperatures this past winter. Now, in May, it is displaying new “umbrellas” and seems to be spreading faster than some other bryophyte types. It is planted in a partial shade/mainly sunny spot directly on landscape fabric weed barrier with only the soil that came attached to the colony. As part of my typical watering regime, when it doesn't rain, these liverworts receive supplemental overhead watering three times a day for 5 minutes each session. I might have to change my own mind about the value of liverworts in garden applications and start saying... Go Green With Mosses... and Liverworts!

Reference: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/bryophyte/marpol/

May 2011 Newsletter - Part 3 0

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH and SPECIAL PROJECTS

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Spreading the word about mosses and instilling a life-long love of these magical plants is one of my greatest pleasures. Go Green With Moss programs and workshops can be geared toward various age groups and interests. Personal site consultations and private moss lessons are available to individuals and organizations. This past week, I sure enjoyed spending the day with Christine Bock from the Tennessee Aquarium as we explored appropriate moss types for their Cove Forest Exhibit.

[caption id="attachment_2198" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Christine Bock, TN Aquarium"][/caption]

Although our calendar is filling up, it is not too late to schedule your garden club, environmental group, summer camp or kids event. Here are some highlights of upcoming events. Some are open to the public. Early registration is recommended for workshops to ensure your spot.

In May, we will be recruiting more moss fairies and moss mavericks as we coordinate an exciting “hands-on” learning opportunity for 3^rd graders at Rainbow Mountain Children's School in West Asheville. This idea grew from a mutual moss fascination with Dulcita Love, an Asheville-based Web designer and social media marketing specialist. With her lead sponsorship, we've organized a moss project along with teacher, West Willmore, and principal, Renee Owen, for the 3^rd graders. The kids will transform an old water feature (original to this AVL historic home... now the school) and adorn the area with mosses, liverworts, lichens and special native plants (like ferns and miniature wild iris). This environmental art experience will emphasize a holistic approach incorporating botany, environmental science, art, and math as we design and install this moss feature in the school's outdoor classroom area. Parents and other interested supporters can donate $$$ to expand the project's vision. http://www.dulcitalove.com/news/moss-garden-installation-at-rainbow-mountain-childrens-schoo.html

Daisy Girl Scouts will actually get to dress up like moss fairies for their upcoming meeting in Mountain Moss' Demonstration Garden in Pisgah Forest, NC. They are guaranteed to have a magical moss experience... and maybe even find some REAL fairies! Beth Suttles Banks will be bringing Piper and her friends to lead them down a mossy path in life.

[caption id="attachment_2199" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Piper, the moss fairy, looking for REAL fairies"][/caption]

EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Southeastern Chapter of the American Rock Garden Society – East Flat Rock Village Town Hall – Flat Rock, NC – Saturday, MAY 21 @ 10:30 am

Invited back for a 2^nd time, Mossin' Annie of Mountain Moss Enterprises will present a Go Green With Moss program on how to effectively use bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) in rock gardens, waterfall features and for other horticultural applications in your garden. Specific bryophyte types will be highlighted for their environmental solutions regarding erosion control and stormwater drainage. Meetings are open to the public and held on the 3^rd Saturday of each month. No charge.

New Leaf Garden Market – Pisgah Forest, NC – Saturday, JUNE 11 @ 11 am

Tabletop Moss Garden Workshop with Mossin' Annie

Mossin' Annie Martin will teach participants about the wonderful world of mosses around us and then will help them create a magical moss tabletop garden to take home.  This New Leaf Garden Market workshop provides a unique opportunity for parent & child to work as partners in creating a moss masterpiece.  A moss tabletop garden would be a wonderful Father's Day Gift!  This workshop is not limited to Parent/Child teams, adults may participate individually as well.  Please pre-register as space is limited.  Cost for this workshop is $20 per moss garden (one moss garden per adult participant or adult/child working together).  All materials for your moss masterpiece are included in the fee for this workshop. Contact Hope Janowitz to register: 828-966-LEAF or newleafgc@gmail.com.

Asheville Greenworks Annual Community Garden Tour – Kenilworth Neighborhood – Asheville, NC – Sunday, JUNE 19 – 1-5 pm

Mossin' Annie will greet visitors as a garden hostess and share her expertise on moss gardening in the most magnificent moss garden in all of WNC – the home of John Cram and Matt Chambers.

Each year, Asheville Greenworks offers a garden tour of an Asheville neighborhood. This year, it's Kenilworth. It will be my privilege to be stationed in my FAV moss garden and in my old neighborhood. I'll be available to answer questions about the benefits of bryophytes and offer my expertise in moss gardening. In addition, moss trays will be available for sale and moss-as-art creations which would make a unique Father's Day gift. There will be other Kenilworth gardens on the tour that provide their own special magic as well. Please purchase tickets in advance as space is limited.  Cost is $20 and all proceeds will go to support the programs of Asheville Greenworks. www.ashevillegreenworks.org/summer-social-and-fathers-day-tour-2011/

Other Upcoming Events of Interest:

White Squirrel Festival in Brevard, NC

Brevard's Sesquicentennial Celebrations

New Leaf Garden Market Summer workshops

OUR 1^st OPEN HOUSE

Mountain Moss hosted our first Open House at our demonstration garden in Pisgah Forest, NC on Mother's Day afternoon. Thanks to all who joined us, especially those folks who traveled from Hendersonville, Tryon and even Greenville. It was such a success that I'm sure we'll do it again.

May 2011 Newsletter - Part 2 0

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MOSS SHOP

Our online Moss Shop offers an expanded inventory of moss types. We are your best source for live mosses providing types previously unavailable in the moss market. Even our common mosses are exemplary mature colonies that often feature sporophytic stages. Moss trays arrive live and fresh ready to plant. Our rescued mosses from WNC are now living as far away as Oregon and New York City, and closer to home, Atlanta. We are excited to provide mosses to the Arnold Arboretum affiliated with Harvard University! This week at a Missouri high school, Future Farmers of America will be learning about the benefits of mosses as they make their own terrarium. Committed to providing quality products we are pleased with the positive feedback...

~~“I received the box this afternoon. I'm very pleased. The mosses/lichens are beautiful. I'll be ordering few more plants soon.”

~~“Greetings from a garden with moss that seems to be "taking," especially following recent rains. I'm writing to say thank you again for my moss trays and for teaching me a bit about moss even on your busy schedule.”

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May Special - Specialty Cladonia Lichens provided as a courtesy with ALL Moss Tray Orders. Limited time offer until May 31, 2011.

MOSS NURSERY

Having conducted our moss cultivation R&D (through the WNC AgOptions Grant received in 2010), we are moving forward with expanded nursery operations at a new location. We are setting up field production for both shade and sun moss types. For landscapers and green roofers, we are now propagating pre-vegetated mats for green roofs and moss lawns that will facilitate ease of installation. For event and wedding planners, we have moss table runners that stay green and alive; don't make any mess; and can be reused again and again. Soon we will be taking orders for these new product lines. Thanks to Betsy Smith for sharing her land and helping us keep moving forward with this aspect of our growing moss business.

MOSS SALES in CHARLOTTE

For Piedmont residents in the Carolinas, Mountain Moss can be found this summer on most 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays at the Metrolina Farmers Market in Charlotte. Unique gifts, moss-as-art creations and moss trays can be purchased. My brother, Dale Martin, will delight customers with his enthusiasm and knowledge of successful moss gardening in the Charlotte area.

May 2011 Newsletter - Part 1 0

VERVILICIOUSLY BIG IDEA – Mountain Moss – A Winner

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As we strategically plan our business growth, we are proud to announce that Mountain Moss Enterprises received special recognition in a regional business plan competition sponsored by AdvantageWest and VERVE magazine. In a field of 40 aspiring entrepreneurs, we were chosen as the runner-up. The official announcement was made on May 5^th at the Carolina Connect Conference in Asheville, NC. As the 2^nd place winner, we will benefit from the business consultation services of Mountain BizWorks and other regional sponsors. VERVE magazine will run a feature article in the June issue.

Our “Verviliciously BIG Idea” centers around expanding nursery operations so that we can introduce pre-vegetated moss mats for green roofs and moss lawns. We appreciate this vote of confidence in our business potential. This kind of “pat on the back” helps sustain my spirit and determination to grow a viable business. Thanks to friends and family for their continued belief in my dream. Special thanks to Bill Layton, my ever-dedicated business advisor and coordinator of the Senior Resource Network with the Transylvania County Office of Economic Development and Planning.

MOSS in the MEDIA

In April, Carolina Gardener Magazine ran a fantastic article on mosses! Mountain Moss Enterprises and Moss and Stone Gardens in Raleigh were both featured. Entitled, “The World of Moss,” Jack Horan brilliantly captured the essence of moss gardening with his artful writing skills.

In June, look for more moss articles in VERVE Magazine (mentioned earlier) and WNC Magazine.

And... if all goes according to plan, one of our upcoming educational projects (Rainbow Mountain Children's School) will be the topic of a “Never Stop Learning” segment by Tammy Watford on ABC affiliate WLOS-TV. Look for it to air sometime after May 24^th. They will archive the segment if you want to view it later.

Mountain Moss May Newsletter Intro 0

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