MOSS-EUM: Martin offers moss varieties such as Polytrichum, Dicranum, Leucobryum, Climacium and Thuidium. Luckily, no knowledge of Latin is needed to successfully grow these varieties — just the right shady spot. Photo by Annie Martin
Martin knows that many people want a full moss lawn. But she cautions it’s a big undertaking. For those new to moss, she suggests starting small by creating garden vignettes using appropriate species for the microclimate and sun exposure.*
Skirt a tree or decorative boulder with moss for year-round green appeal.
Create your own Zen moss retreat.
Make moss memories with your children by creating a small fairy garden.
*A note about shade: Specific moss species do grow in the sun, but most require true shade locations. While identifying these seems easy, Martin points out it’s actually more difficult than it appears. Because mosses are alive in winter, when there’s no leaf canopy, many “shade” locations in WNC gardens may in fact get intense sun February through April. “Just because you’ve got an oak tree doesn’t mean you necessarily have a shady spot.”
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