Flowers not your thing? Let’s learn about moss!
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Moss gardens can be established in three ways:
First, by clearing ground and waiting for airborne spores to land. “In the right habitat mosses will naturally colonize.” says moss ecologist Dr. Robin Kimmerer, who advocates a let-them-come-to-you approach.
Second, by encouraging already-present mosses by pulling out grass and weeds and acidifying (or in some cases, liming) the soil.
Third, by cultivating it.
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Moss is particular about its environment: Shade or semi-shade is usually a necessity. So are a consistent source of ambient moisture and vigilant maintenance to keep it free of weeds and debris (because mosses are nonvascular-no roots-they rely on their leaves for transportation of nutrients and moisture). Experts suggest setting down netting on top of moss in the fall and regularly emptying it of fallen leaves.
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Even so, a moss lawn requires far less maintenance than grass,” says Andy Navage, director of horticulture at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island in Washington. It’s not bothered by compacted soil, doesn’t require pesticides, and is remarkably resilient when it comes to drought and cold, going dormant when conditions are less favorable, and rehydrating when things improve. “With a grass lawn you’re looking at mowing once or twice a week,” Navage says. “But with a firmly established moss garden, you really only have to keep the majority of the leaves off and make sure weeds don’t encroach.”
Photo by Ippei Naoi/Getty Images
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