2025 Workshop #3 -- Once in a Lifetime Experience for Mossers: Responsible Moss Harvesting, Hands-on Installation, Minimal Maintenance Approach

2025 Workshop #3 -- Once in a Lifetime Experience for Mossers:  Responsible Moss Harvesting, Hands-on Installation, Minimal Maintenance Approach, Brevard, NC

Thursday, April 24, 2025     10 am – 2 pm 

Cost: $95 per person 

Pre-registration is required. Register early to confirm your workshop attendance. Space is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

(Register on different pages for other 2025 Spring Workshops)

This intensive moss gardening workshop will happen RAIN or SHINE!

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Intensive Workshop with Mossin’ Annie and Leila for Serious Mossers and DIY Moss Gardeners

Workshop Description:  This intensive moss workshop will provide a rare hands-on opportunity for mossers to be actively involved in the full spectrum of the mossin’ process from beginning to end. You’ll experience the magic of finding and retrieving mosses, and then, creating a moss feature together on Leila von’s private property on Rich Mountain in Brevard, NC. It’s a great chance to develop your own “eye-spy” moss radar in the woods and to learn about recommended harvesting methods. Under the guidance of Mossin’ Annie, the group will choose appropriate moss species to install at the base of an impressive 2-story tree house. Before the experiential portion of the workshop begins, participants will visit established moss features at the main house. While moss landscapes will never be maintenance-free landscapes or xeriscapes, Leila’s features exemplify how you can still be successful with minimal maintenance. Further, we’ll discuss mossin’ practices including responsible land stewardship and the Golden Rule of Mossin’: Never take mosses from protected forests and parks.

Workshop Hostess BIO: With extensive property on Rich Mountain in Brevard, Leila von has the ideal location for enjoying the natural beauty of the WNC mountains. Over the past 15 years, she has retrieved mosses from her woods to create several eye-catching moss features. She is a mosser who just loves mosses and could care less about the scientific names of moss species. She practices minimalistic moss maintenance. She has supported and participated in the creation of a moss feature at the Highlands Biological Station. Leila has been by Mossin’ Annie’s side throughout her entire moss journey encouraging her to follow her mossin’ dreams. To be honest, it all started on Rich Mountain. As best friends, they’ve traipsed through the property together for years. In her book dedication, Mossin’ Annie shares her appreciation for Leila as her “Mossin’ Sidekick.” 

Workshop Leader BIO: Asheville native and internationally-recognized expert on creating moss landscapes, Annie Martin, known as Mossin’ Annie, infuses her passion for mosses with her knowledge of bryophytes and successful gardening techniques. Owner of Mountain Moss Enterprises, Inc., author of The Magical World of Moss Gardening (2015; Japanese translation, 2017), and licensed NC Landscape Contractor, Martin offers consultation services, lectures/workshops, and turnkey moss landscape installations emphasizing the year-round green appeal of eco-friendly mosses. At her Mossery in Brevard, NC, she cultivates shade, sun and versatile moss species for DIY moss gardeners and professional landscapers. Mossin’ Annie advocates the benefits of native mosses as intentional horticultural choices that play an essential role in healthy ecosystems. Through participatory education and professional guidance, Mossin’ Annie will lead participants through an interactive learning process.

Location: This workshop will take place at a private residence on top of Rich Mountain in Brevard, NC. It is not a public garden. The specific address and directions will be provided to workshop attendees upon registration. Estimated drive time from downtown Brevard to the site is 20-25 minutes. Please arrive before 10 am to allow yourself time to park.

Level of Difficulty: IMPORTANT -- This workshop is recommended for the physically fit person who is comfortable with off-trail bushwhacking in the deep woods that could include steep terrain. Moderate to difficult hiking for off-trail moss harvesting including moderate to steep inclines. ALL moss workshop attendees will be expected to participate in hands-on moss harvesting and planting of a moss feature. Participants must be able to hike, sit, kneel and dig while performing gardening activities without special accommodation. This venue is not a handicapped accessible landscape. 

What to Bring: Bag lunch, snacks and water/drinks for yourself. Also, bring your own bug spray and the following garden tools: trowel, small shovel, small rake, hand clippers, heavy-duty spatula, whisk broom, battery-powered leaf blower, snow sled, and/or a sitting cushion/gardening pad.

Appropriate Attire: Wear comfortable clothing with the expectation that you’ll probably get dirty and maybe wet. Dress in layers. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and gloves are suggested. It’s possible that we’ll be in areas with poison ivy. Also, back-up rain gear is advised because this workshop will happen RAIN or SHINE.. IMPORTANT:  Please bring two pairs of footwear. For the moss retrieval in the woods: hiking boots or other footwear with treads are suggested. For the moss planting phase: flat-soled shoes or boots are the preferred footwear.

Medical Concerns: If you have any health restrictions (especially allergies) and you can’t actively participate, please let the workshop leader know in advance. While we’ll provide demonstrations of proper techniques, this is not a lecture. Every workshop participant will be expected to be involved. If you do have allergies, please don’t forget to bring your medication including an EPI pen, just in case you need it.

Bathroom facilities will be available onsite.

Extra Detail: Mossin’ Annie’s book, The Magical World of Moss Gardening, will be available for sale ($26.64 including tax). She’ll be happy to autograph your copy with a special inscription. Checks should be made payable to: Mountain Moss. If you prefer to pay with cash, please bring exact change. Credit card payments will be subject to a 5% CC processing fee.

NO REFUNDS: This event is non-refundable. Pre-registration is required. Once registered and confirmed, your place is reserved. Space is limited to a maximum of 15 people for this seminar.