2025 Workshop #6 -- Realizing the DIY Moss Lover's Dream: Magnificent Moss Garden Tour & Hands-on Installation

2025 Workshop #6 -- Realizing the DIY Moss Lover's Dream: Magnificent Moss Garden Tour & Hands-on Installation

Thursday, May 22, 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 event will happen RAIN or SHINE!

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For ALL Moss Gardeners

Workshop Description: Whether you’re a novice moss gardener or you’ve been encouraging mosses for years, you’ll be impressed with this absolutely magnificent residential moss landscape in Sylvan Heights in Brevard, NC. With guidance provided by Mossin’ Annie and her exceptional protégée, Rodney Holcomb, this will be a fun event jampacked with valuable learning opportunities from these mossin’ buddies. Rodney proudly welcomes workshop participants to explore his meticulously-maintained gardens that exemplify SUCCESS! The nuances of the shades of green create the ideal setting to showcase Rodney’s array of native ferns, wildflowers, shrubs and trees (or is it the other way around?). As a knowledgeable moss gardener, Rodney will share his experiences as he created his own magical moss retreat by himself. Planting methods, consistent maintenance regimes, challenges of sunny areas, and troubleshooting critter issues will be discussed. As a bonus, you’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience in retrieving mosses and creating a small focal feature together. 

Workshop Host BIO: Rodney Holcomb is a moss gardener extraordinaire. Five years ago, after a site consultation and attending Mountain Moss workshops, Rodney moved forward with a determined passion to transform his home landscape into an exceptional moss retreat and native plant showcase. Participants will be impressed with his success! He exemplifies the meticulous and dedicated moss gardener. Rodney is an active Transylvania County Master Gardener who is involved in the maintenance of the Silvermont Moss Garden, a public demonstration garden in Brevard. He is the faithful moderator of  Mountain Moss’ Facebook group, Go Green With Moss!, with over 6000 followers. Rodney is Mossin’ Annie’s STAR STUDENT!

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 in the Sylvan Heights neighborhood 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 15-20 minutes. Please arrive before 10 am to allow yourself time to park in the cul-de-sac at the top of the driveway. 

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to medium 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 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. Also, back-up rain gear is advised because this workshop will happen RAIN or SHINE. Most importantly, wear flat-soled shoes or boots. Please do not wear hiking boots, crocs or other footwear with treads. 

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.