Subject: Re: cultivating moss
From: wtmorgan@pilot.msu.edu (Bill Morgan)
Organization: Michigan State University
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 19:28:35 -0400
Message-ID: <MOD$971025.16615@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$971024.4228@rec.gardens.ecosystems>


In article <MOD$971024.4228@rec.gardens.ecosystems>, Keiron Carroll
wrote:

[snip]

> In the shady side I'd like to build a small 'moss garden'. From what
> I've picked up small amounts of moss can be put in a blender and mixed
> with yoghurt or buttermilk and this spread onto the growing medium?
>
> If this is so, please what are the ratios of mix, is this the best way?
I've seen this advice a lot, but never heard of a ratio given. It is always
just put "some" moss in buttermilk, blend it and spray/paint/pour it on.

> what is the best growing medium? ordinary garden soil, spagnum moss
> peat? clay soil? or just sprinkle the mix onto stones, any help by way
> of nutrients or fertiliser recommended?
The medium depends on the moss. There are many species, each living in its
own habitat. If you take moss from wood, it will no doubt grow best on
wood. If you take moss from a rock, it will grow best on a similar rock.
Moss growing on heavily organic soil to begin with will do best on a
similar medium later.

I think you need to either design the garden to suit the moss you have in
mind, or to seek out mosses that fit the design you have in mind.

In either case, there are a couple of things to be aware of.

1) On substrates like wood or stone/concrete, weathered is better as far as
the moss is concerned. New might work, but it might take some time to see
results. Moral: start with the old stuff.

2) Most mosses like shade and humidity. Even those that grow in relatively
sunny, arid environments are found in microclimates that are shadier (and
therefore cooler) and moister that the genereal vegetation likes. They are
common at ground level in forests and grasslands alike. Those that grow on
the soil will often be crowded out (or at least obscured) by other
vegetation If the site is not shaded enough. Moral: keep it shaded and
moist.

>
> Any informed advice would be most appreciated, I could of course go
> round collecting what seems to be a good supply here on many paving
> areas and damp shady places, it would be nice to have much to pick from
> in the spring next year.
And that might not be a bad idea, either. There is no reason you can't
apply several different mosses to the area(s) you have in mind. You may get
some interesting mixes that way. If you wind up with just one kind, you've
still got moss. If you get several species going, that would only add to
the interest. These things are more diverse than most people realize, so
that alone might make for a good show.

> Many thanks in advance, (no I'm not mad, well I don't think so!)
On the contrary, this question comes 'round often over on rec.gardens.

Regards,
Bill

--
Bill Morgan
wtmorgan@pilot.msu.edu
Center for Room Temperature Confusion