The Benefits of Using Moss In Landscaping
TN Nurseries best selling Moss
Cushion moss
Sheet moss
fern moss
Rock cap moss
Sphagnum moss
Mosses are small, flowerless plants that belong to the Musci class and Bryophyta division of plants. They can grow in shaded and damp areas, most commonly on rocks, tree bark, and water, between decorative rocks or brick, and on rooftops. In some cases, they can be found in deserts and the tundra. Most moss species grow to a maximum height of two inches or less, but a few will exceed four inches. The plants lack a traditional root system instead of using rhizoids to anchor themselves. Moss plants also lack seeds instead of using spore capsules for reproduction. While some consider moss a weed, others embrace it and actively work to include it in their landscaping endeavors. There are many benefits to using moss in landscaping projects.
Moss Is Beautiful When Planted In Gardens
The simple, elegant beauty of moss offers several benefits when used in a garden setting. Garden moss grows in various vibrant shades of green, a color that has been shown to evoke feelings of serenity, hope, peace, and safety. Moss is an evergreen type of ground cover, so it will retain its green hue even if it lies dormant. However, dormant moss won't be as bright as live moss. Its timeless beauty is also used to add a feeling of age or stillness to a garden.
Moss Is an Excellent Choice For Shady Areas
Moss requires a substantial amount of moisture to thrive, so it is an excellent choice to plant in shady areas, where moisture is retained more readily than in whole sun areas. It works well in areas where most other plants won't grow well because the ground is too damp, such as near water, under dense foliage, along hills or rocky cliffs. Moss can withstand partial sun, especially if exposed during the morning or evening, but it will not grow well in the direct afternoon sun.
Moss Plants Spread and Absorb Swampy Areas
Swampy areas are perfect places to grow moss. Slow-moving and stagnant water tends to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Moss absorbs the excess moisture the mosquitoes need to reproduce, so the area becomes unappealing, and the mosquitoes will vacate the area. Stagnant water can also harbor bacteria, leading to other problems, such as fetid air or illness. Moss not only makes the area look cleaner, but it also will not smell foul or breed potential illness-causing bacteria. Since moss multiplies, these problems can be cleared up relatively quickly.
Mosses Are Easy To Plant and Grow
One of the main benefits of using moss in landscaping projects is the simplicity of planting and growing it. To plant the most variety of moss:
- Clear the area of debris, then give the ground a superficial scratching to loosen the dirt.
- Dampen the ground and lay the moss out.
- Flatten into place. Once the plants are in place, they should be soaked thoroughly and kept moist for two to three weeks to ensure they thrive in their new location.
Once the garden moss thrives, it requires no mowing, fertilizing, pesticides, watering, or liming. If the moss is subjected to high temperatures or low rainfall, it will fall dormant yet remain green. Once the rain begins falling again, the plants will rebound within a matter of hours.
Overall Appearance of Moss Is Lush and Green
Live moss has an appearance that cannot be replicated by man or nature. In some climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, moss is used in place of grass to create a beautiful, velvety lawn. Even the most mundane piece of hardscaping can become lush and vibrant with moss growing on it. Whether used as ground cover in a large area of land, accents in a small flower bed, or as a decorative piece, the inclusion of moss in landscaping projects brings a beautiful sense of peace and serenity.
