How to create a moss garden!
100If you have a shady area in your garden where no flowers or shrubs will thrive then you may have the perfect spot for a moss garden! Or maybe you already struggle to get rid of moss in your lawn in some places? Stop that, and make your garden life easier by following nature and construct a moss garden! Or let the area be a moss mat! A moss mat is wonderfully soft to walk on, it requires no lawn movers, no fertilizer, no need to rake grass clippings etc. And even if I know that some people think of moss as weed I think moss is beautiful in the right place. So instead of trying to get rid of the moss; you should start to take care of the moss and nurture it. I will show you how beautiful moss can be!
A moss garden can be the opening to a brand new world in your garden. The thing with a moss garden is that it is supposed to be suiting without so many startling colours. It is an area where you can sit down and enjoy the calm and stress free environment. A moss garden doesn’t need so much work and maintenance either, so you will have time to sit down. And since there are many different kinds of moss you will get several colours anyway even if moss all come in green shades. It doesn’t matter which size your garden is, you just adapt your moss garden to the area available, and create a small moss garden in a limited place, or you can create a bigger moss garden with moss mat, moss beds and trees. It all depends on the climate and the sun conditions in your garden. The most famous moss garden can be seen in Japan where the monk Muso KUKuhis famous moss garden is located outside of Kyoto. The garden is also called Kokedera and it was built in the 1300s. The garden is a pure moss garden and consists of hundreds different mosses with trees as only accent. Mosses can be seen as timeless and a moss garden provides with stillness and a view of eternal life. Japanese garden is made for relaxation and meditation and such places is something we all need now and then. A moss garden should resemble a creation done by nature itself even if is created by man and some call a moss garden “The art of artlessness”.
Find the right spot for a moss garden!
If you want to know if a moss garden is possible in your area; look on the surrounding nature. Moss grows in many places of the world and in addition to humidity, bedrock and soil also affects which moss that grows in one place. Moss grows where it is a bit damp, and some mosses require very humid climate. Consequently, where there are mountains and forests there are always a lot of moss. Moss requires also some light in order to grow; they can’t grow in full sunlight and they can not grow where it is too dark. What they need is at partly shady area beneath a tree or in the shade from a wall. If you live in a place that have seasons, remember that conifers shade the entire year, while deciduous trees transmits sunlight during winter months.
Most mosses require slightly acidic soil with pH of 6 to 6,5 and mosses can endure withstand of drought better than for example grass, the moss just stop growing and wait for the water to come.
Types of mosses that are best suited to a moss garden!
The species of mosses which are suitable for use in the moss garden is the moss that thrives in acid soil, because then they will get less competition from weeds.
For best results, you should use a native moss. But do not just fetch moss from the forest, at least not without asking the land owner. Instead, ask your good friends who has sites with moss, maybe they are glad to get rid of it! Or you can purchase tufts of moss.
How moss is spreading!
Moss spread spontaneously on many substrates, for example, soil, peat, decayed wood and on stones. Propagation is made by airborne spores. So if you buy peat blocks, there are already moss spores in the blocks. In good growing conditions, you can take any kind of moss, crush it and spread it over the surface you have planned for a moss garden, and you have a seed bed of moss! But if you use this method be aware that you may have an area full with weed instead of moss, since you can’t control the area. Another way if you like to use crushed dry moss is to sowing the moss in boxes, watered with a mix of low-fat milk and water and covered with a cloth. In this way you have control over the moss and can plant it out to the right spot when they have grown a little. Then you just have to take care of the small moss plants and give them the right conditions, like damp, moisture and light.
How to nurture a moss garden!
The best time for planting a moss garden is at times when evaporation is small; usually in the spring or fall in areas with seasons. Carefully remove all weeds before planting. Lay out a layer of suited substrates if the soil isn’t right for mosses. Unfertilised peat mixed with sand and some clay can be a good mix that provides a acid layer. When the moss carpet has become dense it is fairly competitive, especially on poorer soils in shady locations since other plants may have difficulty to thrive there. Moss can endure extreme nutrient condition but they are sensitive for air pollution since they take all their nutrients and water directly from rain and deposition. One exception is “Polytrichum commune” which produces high pillows in moist woodland and that can be used in areas with more air pollution.
If you want moss to grow on peat block or stones, one way to speed up the growing of moss is to brush the places where you want the moss to grow with buttermilk. That will speed up the natural process in places with right conditions.
When the moss cover desired area, you nurture the moss garden by constantly cleaning the moss from leaves and debris that shouldn’t be allowed to remain on the moss for a long time. Brush off any leaves and needless when the moss is dry and pick grass and plants off the moss area constantly.
And do not walk on the moss! A famous Finish writer Tove Jansson, wrote: “Only farmers and summer guests walk on moss!”. When you walk on a moss once, the moss recover the next time it rains, but if you walk on the moss a second time it may not recover, and the third time you walk on the same spot, the moss is dead and have to be replaced.
Other features in a moss garden and some more inspiration!
You can also plant a few perennials or shrubs as complement to the moss if you like. In that case, choose shrubs or perennials that like the same environment, as Rhododendrons, Ferns, Hostas and Trillium. But remember that for the special feeling in a moss garden, don’t overdo it, it is the moss that should be prominent feature, shrubs and perennials are only adjunct plants.
Stones are common in moss gardens and the stones that are best suited are natural stones that should be carefully chosen. You can use the stones as step stones or only for decoration.
Other common feature in a moss garden is water. Water can be added in a simple way by water in a bowl or as a prominent feature, like a stream or a pound.
You can also try and make moss grow on things like chairs or sofas for example. I hope you got some inspiration and tips of how to use moss in your garden from this article.
Do you have a shady area in your garden?
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Hi silver Fish, it is always nice to see you! A moss garden can be a lovely place in your garden, and the right spot is mostly in an area where nothing else thrives anyway:) So, instead of going against nature; go with it! Thanks for your much appreciated comment!
Hi thougtforce thanks for this very interesting and informational hub ! I know a few people who have moss gardens and they are very beautiful .
Great hub!!! Thumbs up !!!
This is so wonderful - love the pictures, the information - the tips! Everything! Why fight nature - we cannot win - because we are meant to enjoy it, and may have to be forced.
I am bookmarking for sure - and will keep this is mind.
Rated up and thanks a million!
Wow...I had to look at that chair twice...I just couldn't believe it. Thanks for this informative hub.
Hello Tom, good to hear that there are some moss gardens out there! A moss garden can be so beautiful on the right place and can turn a hopeless area into something very special! Thanks for your great comment, and I am glad you enjoyed the read!
Hi BkCreative, I am so glad you found this hub informative! I get a picture before my eyes of a beautiful moss garden as an tranquil oas there in the hectic citylife where you live! A moss garden must be so well suited in a city where the space is limited!
It is always best to work with nature and enjoy instead of stuggle:)
Thank you very much for you wonderful comment and the vote! Your visits in my corner is so appreciated!
Hello Genna East, Yes, isn´t that chair just marvellous! I would love to have one in my garden! There is so much that can be done with moss, the options are endless, all you need is a bit imagination! I wish you luck with your moss garden!
What a fabulous idea. I am going to try it.
Bravo! "Nurture moss"--absolutely!
I love this hub. It falls right into my love of nature and the out of doors. I use to bring home rocks covered with moss, but the moss never survived. Now, through this hub, I know where I made mistakes, and can have a real moss garden.
Hello Mrs.J.B. and you are most welcome! Thanks for your great comment and I hope your moss garden will be fabulous too. Just pick the right spot and let your creativity flow!
RTalloni, I am happy to meet you here! I can imagine that nurture isn´t the first thing that comes to mind when one think about moss! But if it´s should be done properly, thats what it takes! Thanks for coming by, your comment is appreciated!
Hi Sierra Mackenzie, Yes, I know what you mean, those lovely moss covered rocks that can be found in nature! I bring some of them home as well! It can be difficult to preserve the moss during transport, but with the right place, and some care, the moss will recover! Thanks for your much appreciated comment and I wish you good luck with your moss garden!
Moss killer usually contains iron sulphate as an active ingredient, this will stain most surfaces.Adding moss to a garden is a beautiful way to enhance its appearance,and with this easy and inexpensive recipe,you'll enjoy growing moss as well.
vans backpacks, yes it is better to add moss to the garden, and make it look beautiful! So, get rid off the moss killer! Thanks for coming by and for your comment!
Not sure if it was mentioned so far, but a bonsai garden is the perfect place for moss.
Hi jette17, Yes it definitely is! Moss can add something very special to a bonsai garden! Thanks for your valuable input with a great suggestion on how moss can be used!
Ewwwww love the moss garden and I can just see great moss growing around my zen garden near my koi pond. Thanks for the tips on how to create and grow a moss garden. :) Katie
Katie, I wish I could see your garden when it is finish! A koi pond is so right in a moss garden and if you see some moss there already it is the perfect spot! I hope the result becomes marvellous and that a moss garden will add value to your landscaping! Thanks for your great and positive comment!
excellent hub .I have always admired moss in the countryside during the winter months creating green among the dank vegetation. There are so many coloured ones. On the north west coast of England the growing conditions for moss is excellent. Thank you for sharing . Rated up.
Hi D.A.L., I also like moss in nature, it comes in many green shades and looks always fresh during all seasons.
Thanks for stopping by and for the rating. It means a lot coming from you!
Wonderful and beautiful page, thanks for the advise. I just love moss gardens and one day plan to do one myself.
Hi Fluffy77, how nice to meet you here! A moss garden can be a very beautiful and tranquil place. And you do not need so big mossgarden to achieve that feeling. I wish you good luck with your mossgarden. Thanks for coming here and leave a supportive comment!
Very interesting. I love gardening but never thought of making a moss garden. Thanks for the ideas.
Hi Esmeowl12, How nice too meet you! Moss is mostly unwanted in a garden but when moss is used in landscaping and in the right spot it can be so perfect in an garden! I wish you much success if you try a mossgarden! Thanks very much for your kind comment!
Love this hub. The chair is seriously cool. I'm starting one this spring in our side garden. Thanks so much for the ideas.
Hi The Dirt Farmer! With a name like that you must be a person who loves gardening! I am in love with the photo of the chair myself and try to find the best spot for something similar! I am happy you got some ideas and I am certain your chair will look wonderful! Thank you, for your comment!
Wow, milk will help moss to grow? I love moss and have spent a lot of time back in the woods where it grows aplenty. My daughter would always say "dont step on the moss daddy!" Beautiful hub, really...
Kentuckyslone, your daughter must have known that moss can’t tolerate people walking all over them! Isn’t it great that something that grows natural and is spreading can be used as a beautiful area in the garden! Just find the right conditions and a moss garden will be reality! I am delighted that you liked this hub! Thanks for your visit! Tina
Hi thougtforce,
I can honestly say that I have never heard of a moss garden in all my life. Because of that, it seemed a very strange concept for me for a few seconds but you have completely won me over, what a brilliant idea!
:-) xxx
The easy way is sometime a winner:) We shouldn't spend so much time working against nature and if we have a shady damp area there is no use in trying to grow a lawn there when moss can be so beautiful instead. I am pleased that you read on and liked it!
Thanks for coming by and I hope you have a garden or a shady place to try this!
Tina
hälsningar syster- - Fun- Fun- Fun!
i just shared your "Mid Summer Eve Festivities" hub on facebook again for a friend from Sweden. Elin works with Libby in Key West.
So- i figured while i was here, let's take a look at something new to me!
glad i did too- i love moss and wish i could grow it here in the new Orchid hut i built for Lib... i will look in the nearby naturally overgrown land in our neighborhood. perhaps i can find a species there.
thank you Tina- you have stirred my curiosity- this makes your article a success... Ja!
Adjö och fred min vän.
greg
Greg, min vän, how nice to see you! Yes, moss in an Orchid hut would be a great way to grow moss where you live I think. An Orchid hut sounds very interesting and fun too! It is well worth trying and I hope you can find some natural moss, it will have better chances to thrive! I love moss and once you got started there seems to be no end to what one can do with moss. At least where I live since we have a humid climate. But moss is a species that has been on Earth for millions of years and are very strong and adaptive so I think you will do well:)
Thanks for sharing the Midsummer Eve hub Greg! We celebrated Midsummer Eve yesterday with traditional music, song and dance, and good friends and it was as usual a special festivity even though it rained later in the evening. I thought about you yesterday and wondered if you did any midsummer celebration or if you did eat any herring!
Let me know how it went with the moss and it is always good to see you in my corner!
Ta väl hand om dig min vän
Tina
Great article, I have wondered about moss gardens for years, but I just assumed that they maintained damp conditions and waited for the moss to grow. I look forward to reading more of your hubs.
danfresnourban, to let nature have its way also works, given the conditions are right, but it can take a while before the moss thrives! If you are in for landscaping you wouldn't want to wait to see the final result from your efforts:)
It is so nice to meet you here and thanks for stopping by and for your comment!
Tina
stunning and a wonderful way to use those areas in your garden that don't get much sunlight.
Hi Lynn Stewart, Thanks for your wonderful comment and for your visit. It is great to know you liked this and I hope you can use some of the ideas!
Tina
What a delightful hub! I've seen pictures of formal parks and such that have this kind of mossy beauty but had never thought about training moss to grow over anything myself. I really like the moss-covered staircase! It's like stepping into another world. Thank you for such a beautiful place to land for a few minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The moss-covered staircase is one of my favourite too! I think moss is beautiful and I find it to be very useful in shady areas. The great thing is that we can try to grow moss on the things we have in our garden, there is endless possibilities. Thanks for the great comment seedplanter, I so appreciate your visit!
Tina
Okay Thoughtforce, this is the most cool thing that I have ever seen. First of all, I take good care of everything but plants are always last and get the worst of me. Even if I try, I water too much, finally my husband bought those cool sticks that feed the plant or something. Bottom line is I so totally want to try to do this. SOO COOL! Thanks for making such a cool hub on this, I believe there are a ton of people who havent seen such a thing. Cheers
Lanealanea, Oh, I am so glad to hear that. There is a way to have a beautiful garden for everyone, it is just to find one that suit our personality! I hope you have found your garden style here. Thanks for the uplifting comment and I wish you good luck with the moss garden!
Tina
moss grows somethimes where i want it and some times where i don't like it.
The Lex Blog, yes, moss usually grow where the environment is optimal, and it is in those places we should nurture the moss instead of fighting it! Thanks for reading!
Awesome hub. I love moss myself and have a mossy area on the northeast side of my home in my natural woodland garden area.
Hi Lilleyth, it is so nice to meet you here! And thanks for the positive comment. Moss are a winner in the garden and it is very suited in a woodland garden area. A natural woodland garden area sounds so great and it must be wonderful to have one. I want to have a woodland area in my garden but I don't really have the natural place for it. So if I want one, it will need to do some thinking and some work but nothing can beat the beauty of nature.
Tina
Nice! I wanted a moss garden for my shaded backyard but never had time to research this.
Thank you for this hub.
Olga
Hi ChooseHealthyFood! Moss is a real winner in a shady area, it makes gardening so much easier and looks green with minimal effort! I hope you will enjoy your moss garden! Thanks for the comment and it is so nice to meet you!
Tina
I had seen photos of Kokedera garden in Kyoto but honestly i never thought those are Moss. I have enjoyd reading this Hub and it is very useful.
Hi dwachira, I am glad you liked this! Moss is so usual in some parts of the world so maybe that is why we don't see it or maybe we focus too much on trees, shrubs and flowers and don't notice the ground vegetation! Thanks for reading.
Tina
I just attended a moss workshop put on my Moss Acres this Saturday. I actually work on the property where the workshop was held. Richard R. Smith, was the guest speaker and boy did he know a lot about growing moss.
We have a ton of moss on our property. In fact, Moss Acres used to be run out of the basement of the house I live in. We have some nice moss gardens here and I maintain the garden that Al Benner establishes in the video above. I was actually just going to write a Hub on this same topic. Yours is very well put together.
Where do you get your moss from in Sweden? Rick Smith was saying that Jan Peter Frahm said it is very difficult to get in Europe.
Hi David Campeau Jr! How interesting to know that you maintain the garden in the video! That is fantastic and I am so glad that you liked this hub! I hope you will write a hub about this subject since you will have a lot of information and also photos, I would love to read it! Please tell me if you do! Moss is very common in Sweden and it is also quite easy to grow moss on the right spot. If we need some extra moss or some moss to start with we can buy moss or we can ask forest owners if we can take a bit of moss in the woods. But I do not really know where to buy moss in Sweden if larger quantities is needed and if someone wants to get the moss garden ready in a hurry. I will look into that! Thanks for the interesting and positive comment, I appreciate it!
Tina
Silver Fish Level 1 Commenter 15 months ago
What a lovely hub, I have never heard of moss gardens before, and the way you describe them is so appealing, I may be tempted to have a go!