(The most recent assortment of mini gardens I've created)
From my previous blog articles, I'm sure you've noticed something I love to work with. It's in all my projects so far, even my lizard terrarium and is the first plant that goes in all my landscape scenes. I'm talking about moss people! Moss is cool. Some people may confuse it with lichens that grow on trees and mold that makes you sick, but Moss is actually it's own type of plant. Capable of growing almost anywhere there is heat, moisture its roots are capable of clumping up in tight, neat balls and using this figuration, they absorb water from the air around them. That's why Moss can survive and thrive as long as there’s moisture in the air. Many species don't live anywhere near actual water.
(My favorite one so far. Overtime the moss will grow to cover the stone)
Moss is comparable to gold when it comes to florist, survivalist and environmentalist alike. Not only is it fast growing, beautiful and hardy plant, found literally everywhere water present and stagnant in nature. It is a natural atmospheric filter, and cities like London have already installed 'Living walls' to help filter out nitrogen oxides and other pollutants floating around the air of their heavily populated cities. Years ago, large, soaked moss balls were kept near buildings and used to put out fires and dried moss would be stuffed in clothing for insulation. Nowadays moss is mainly used by gardeners and florist to add easy to care for 'carpeting' and interesting appeal to their plantworks or gardens. Some cities and countries still even still use a special sort of moss ,called peat moss, as a fuel source. Though this practice is outdated and contributes to habitat destruction.
(The Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, Washington State)
With a variety of methods to harvest and propugate, moss can be used in a wide array of projects to create a plethora of different effects. Short mosses can be used to give the effect of grass and fields, while more viney mosses can be used to simulate.....well vines. Succulent mosses can be used to imitate trees and ball mosses can be shaped into structures with the proper tools. The huge variety in different species different looks and feel, combined with the fact it is easy to grow makes moss a no brainer for beginner and expert plant lovers alike.
(An example of the multiple types of moss. These are dried examples)
The moss I have growing near my place of work (my collection spot) is, I believe, Spoon Leaved Moss. A rarer sort of moss that grows out in pretty green tendrils with a redish hue. The fact it's so abundant in this area means it's well established and seems to prefer rocky soil near natural wet areas. The marshy soil near the small valley of succulents is perfect and it grows relatively happily in the shade provided by our kennel house. Collection is simple. Dig a little into the soil and it should come up in little chunks. If it is a dust like moss, you are going to want to collect a thin sheet of the top layer of substrate it is growing on. Smaller pieces are easiest to fit in a container but large mats are what you want to give that 'grassy field' look. Once you get your pieces, dampen them in water and place them as you see fit in your appropriately lined container. Remember, unless you bought your moss online, it's easiest to use soil from the same place you collected your moss. That way you can assure the PH and soil type is correct. Otherwise you will need to narrow down your species and look up your specific mosses requirements. Moss is super hardy, but will still die if basic needs are not met, like most plants.
(Current photo of the 'succulent field' near where I work. The soil is very wet and marsh like. That bright green gradient is the small sedum succulents growing in mass)
Some people will replace their entire traditional lawns with moss. It's actually a common occurrence in Japan where moss is one of the national plants, and a symbol of time, nature and wisdom. Nature reserves often include entire areas completey covered in the plant. It creates a beautiful, yet eerie ambiance that western replications can never quite master due to climate differences. That doesn't mean beautiful moss gardens can't be created over here in well watered areas, but to see it to so green and lush is only found in the untouched, forested areas.
(A moss garden in Japan would be hard to keep here in the urban states)
Once established, live moss should be watered via misting or direct pouring once a week. Dry moss obviously doesn't need the water but should be monitored for dust or mold. Last thing you want is the same climate loving moldspores killing off your hard working moss. Moss does need sunlight as they get their energy via photosynthesis, so a sunny south facing window would be the best resting place for your new moss. Eventually you may see happy little stalks with bulbous ends emerge from your moss colony. Fear not, these are simply sporophytes and their accompanying gametophytes, mosses reproductive organs. This means your moss is happy and trying to make more of itself. Given a couple of months, you may see green growth as your moss takes over its area. If your worried moss will take over things you don't want, consider soaking those objects in vinegar. The acid will kill any spores that may try to propugate there well into the future.
(Closeup of one of the created Mini Gardens. Moss was used to create the effect of grass and space)
And that's about what I have to say about moss! It's a gorgeous and versatile plant that would benefit any florist or survivalist alike. Whether you want a small bedding for your 'mini gardens' or you want an entire carpet for your full-sized garden, moss adds a unique kind of pop only it can provide. Coupled with small succulents, lichen covered sticks and contrasting rock pieces, moss can turn any boring vessel into a beautiful self contained ecosystem. With moss, being a vital oxygen providing element that any herp is sure to love. Definitely one of those outside elements that is simply gorgeous, when brought in!
(I love Moss so much! Another 'mini gardens I created, this one utilizing lichen and wood as decor)
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