Mountain Moss

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?

Middle-schoolers Making Moss Magic 0

[caption id="attachment_378" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Yeah, you can touch it!"][/caption] Middle-schoolers made moss magic this afternoon in Brevard, NC. About a dozen kids, both boys and girls, actively participated in a lively discussion of bryophytes – focusing on some of our local mosses. They learned botanical names for various types as they had the chance to touch pleurocarpus and acrocarpus types. Using loupes, these Jr. Earthkeepers at Brevard Middle School got to take their own closer look at specimens, including some in sporophytic stage. This afterschool club is sponsored by the Transylvania Garden Club. In a whirlwind of information, these eager moss apprentices learned about unique botanical characteristics, substrates and microclimates. We talked about environmental benefits of having moss lawns versus grass. Responsible land stewardship was mentioned so that kids would recognize the value of mosses as a forest resource and not take moss from our public forests. One young man brought up the myth about the using mosses in the woods as your compass. My response was that it is not a good idea in these parts since you can find mosses growing all the way around trees. You might be going round and round in circles instead of finding North. Culminating our hands-on experience, each student made their own moss dish garden using Dicranum, Thuidium, Heterophyllium, and Leucobryum moss types. Accents of Cladonia lichens (reindeer moss – a moss faker and British soldiers) complemented their miniature green landscapes. Amazingly, girls and guys alike decided to add polished blue-colored glass to simulate a cool stream. Their creativity and enthusiasm at the end of our mossy session was impressive. It makes my moss spirit soar to spend time sharing mosses with kids of all ages. It's been a good day. Making moss magic today has been great fun. Go Green With Moss! [caption id="attachment_379" align="alignleft" width="158" caption="Could she be the next moss maven?"][/caption]

FAQ #1 Watering your moss garden 0

Since I just finished watering my moss garden, I'll address one of the top FAQs – how much and how often should you water your mosses? First, bryophytes are unique in the plant world for a variety of botanical reasons. No bryophyte or true moss has roots, only rhizoids; therefore, you do not need to drench the soil or other substrate to reach any roots. Mosses have no cuticle – the waxy substance that covers other leaves (good visual image is a rhododendron leaf). The leaf is able to absorb moisture immediately because of this feature. Most mosses absorb 10 times their weight in a matter of minutes. Given these factors, water frequently but not too much.

Mosses will change their appearance as they become rehydrated. Some dramatic differences in color saturation occur as with Leucobryum (pincushion moss) where it can shift from almost white to a “moss” green. Other mosses have more subtle clues but an attentive eye will learn the nuances of recognizing when your mosses have absorbed all the water they can at the moment.

On dry, hot days (even in spring), you may need to water more than once a day. You can water at any time of the day or night. However, the best time to water is in the late afternoon, not the morning. Mosses don't seem to burn or ever mold from an erratic watering time frame. For years, I've watered my moss garden when it looks thirsty, sometimes at high noon on a lunch break or even at midnight under the moonlight.

Of course, you can always use your tactile senses and if the moss feels really dry, most likely, it's time to water again. With all that said, some mosses NEED to dry out like Bryums (sidewalk moss). And, the majority of soil-type mosses (with the exception Sphagnums and Bartramia) will not tolerate constant, soggy conditions or “wet feet.”

Beware of overwatering your mosses!

So, if it doesn't rain, it is important to consistently water mosses. Even if it rains the day before, your mosses may want a drink the next day. Watering and walking on your moss garden are my main recommendations for establishing a successful moss garden.