Creating your own moss garden is both fun and easy. You don’t need to have a “green thumb” to grow great mosses. After all, you don’t have to dig any holes or do much weeding, and moss thrives during all the seasons. So, what are you waiting for?

Planning Your Moss Garden
It’s important to first assess the microenvironments present in your targeted garden space. A site consultation can help you determine these conditions and identify existing mosses. You’ll want to be sure to use appropriate mosses for the various sun exposures and different substrates of your garden. You’ll remember from last month that it’s a myth that all mosses require shade. Many bryophytes in our region are tolerant of partial shade/sun. Believe it or not, we even have mosses that are direct sun lovers.

Acquiring Your Moss Plants
Choosing the right mosses for your garden is critical in creating a sustainable focal feature. Look on your own property first, and transplant existing mosses to your desired locations. Shade mosses are available for sale on the Internet. But, your best bet are local mosses, which are available through limited sources. No matter the source, make sure your moss supplier can certify that it has been “rescued” and not stolen from our forests, or purchase mosses propagated by a moss grower. This way, you’ll be sure the native plant populations haven’t been harmed. Native plant steward groups are established in many counties, and you can join in their efforts to rescue plants from high-impact areas.

Choosing When to Plant
Mosses have no flowers and consequently no seeds. But, they do reproduce through a two-step process. This sporophytic stage can occur during any season, even in the winter. Fall and winter’s cooler conditions are actually favorable, but, again, mosses may be planted during any month. If choosing to plant in the warmer seasons of spring and summer, just make sure the moss is watered regularly on hot, dry days. [See the “Maintaining Your Moss Garden” section below for more information about watering.]

Preparing Your Space
To begin, clear your garden space of any leaves or debris. Please note: If mulch has ever been used in the space, remove all mulch layers to the actual dirt. The general rule is that the soil’s pH should  range between 5.5 and 6.5. Your pH level can be determined through a soil test. The NC Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Department provide soil testing services for samples you send in. If it’s concluded that amendments need to be made to alter your soil’s pH, look to aluminum sulfate as a supplement to achieve a more acidic soil. Otherwise, don’t disturb your soil or dig any holes.

Planting Your Moss
Once the soil is cleared, you’re ready to plant. Just plop the moss down wherever you want it. Use your artistic inclinations to create a patchwork of mounds and carpet mosses and contrasting shades of green. Then, water the mosses thoroughly, and step on them. Yes, you read correctly! This plant can be walked on, and doing so will actually help to set it in position.

Maintaining Your Moss Garden
Watering (or rainfall) is a must to establish and maintain your moss garden. The appearance of many bryophytes drastically changes based on moisture content. When they are wet, mosses are happy campers. However, it’s okay for them to dry out for short periods. After another drink, they will perk back up. If you wish to enjoy lush, green mosses, regularly provide periodic, brief watering sessions. During times of infrequent or low levels of rainfall, you may need to provide additional drinks for your thirsty mosses. However, it is not necessary to provide a drenching soak; a thorough misting when dry will do. You can water in the morning, high noon, evening or at midnight. Mosses will not mold, and the water drops will not burn the leaves. In the fall, faithfully remove the dead leaves. Minimal weeding might be required occasionally.

Now, take the time to admire your moss from afar. Then, take a closer look at the fascinating details and differences in these tiny plants, and interact closely with them—walk barefoot on your mosses and sit down on them. However you interact with your new garden, you’re sure to find much delight in these amazing greens. Enjoy!

Ann Martin, known as “Mossin’ Annie,” is the owner of Mountain Moss Enterprises. A native of Asheville, she now lives in Transylvania County where she started her own moss garden over eight years ago; her obsession with mosses has become her profession. For more information about “mossin,” visit www.mountainmoss.com, or reach her directly at mossinannie@gmail.com or 828-577-1321.

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