Landscape Gardening with Mosses

Many gardeners and lawn-tenders view moss as a nuisance - akin to a weed - rather than something desirable to be cultivated for its own sake. This is a shame, because moss carpeting in a landscape can create a mellow and soothing tone; it can be a great source of visual comfort and relaxation. This was the intent behind the first moss gardens that originated in Japan. Surrounding temples and other places of reflection, these carpets of velvety green, which ranged from vibrant to soothing hues, helped to promote states of deep meditation and repose. We can achieve similar effects in our own landscapes if we invite moss to stay instead of fending it off.

This is especially true if it seems that nature intends for various mosses to be there, which we can judge if they keep cropping up despite all our efforts to curb their growth. If grass and/or other types of ground cover fare poorly in areas of our yards, it may be that mosses are better suited to these places. Moss is typically sacrificed for the sake of lawns, but nature at times may cast her vote for the former. Acidic soil, for example, is favorable to mosses and adverse for grasses. Shade, also, can be a benefit rather than a liability.

Over 1,200 species of mosses exist in North America, so there is a wide variety that can be utilized to create varied textures and patterns in a landscape. Unfortunately, there are few "pet names" used to distinguish species of mosses, as opposed to nearly any other kind of flora. Those interested in cultivation will typically be obliged to research different kinds according to their scientific names. A simpler solution exists, however: we can simply take advantage of the species that are native to the areas that we live in. These types of mosses will be the ones most ideally suited to the climatic and soil conditions that we have, anyway.