There exist at least 12,000 different species of the moss plant. Some of them, to mention a few, include Cushion Moss (Leucobryum Glaucum), Sheet Moss (Hypnum Curvifolium), and Carpet Moss (Hypnum), amongst others.
These plants are famously described as the species that carpet forest floors. Mosses are found worldwide, commonly in damp and shady areas, except in areas with salty water.
Mosses in different states are being used for various purposes, based on their ecology, for economic gain. For example, one can use it to release nutrients that the most complex plants need. Other uses include; breaking down exposed substrata, as well as being useful in the nutrient. These plants also aid in soil erosion control and the formation of peat.
Let us look deeper into the uses of this plant in the enhancement of a garden:
Garden Conservation
One of the purposes of a garden is to support the preservation of water sources and the vegetation around it. Moss gardens attract lush green topiaries and actual evergreen ground covers.
Mosses reduce the need for water in a garden and fertilizer for growth. Thus it helps in the conservation effort; when chemical fertilizers are used, they usually find their way into the ground and join the streams of water under them. As you can see, the chemicals pollute water sources and cause harm to surround plants that consume the contaminated water.
Having Clean Air
The existence of moss; for example, sheet moss, can significantly determine the quality of the surrounding air. Mosses plant can help rid the air of common pollutants, including Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and CFCs.
Most of these pollutants come from combustion engines in manufacturing and motor vehicles. Moss growing in your garden means you are more likely to have cleaner air due to its air purification characteristic.
If a lawn is of carpet moss, it does away with the need for maintenance using a gasoline-powered mower because mosses do not have to be mowed. It is helpful because lawnmowers pollute the environment and destabilize moisture levels.
When it comes to indoor gardens, mosses help to regulate the humidity levels in a room at between 40 and 60 percent. Moss can absorb moisture in the air when it is high and release it when it is low.
Viruses like influenza spread more easily when humidity levels drop substantially. During such a time, moss walls can help indoor spaces maintain humidity levels to the extent that does not promote the spread of diseases like influenza.
Furthermore, moss also cleans pathogen particles floating in the air, thus protecting humans further from disease-causing micro-organisms.
Soil Erosion Control and Flood Mitigation
Moss also prevents soil erosion from the ground, so the soil is not washed away during heavy rains. Moss uses negligible nutrients, so the soil remains rich in nutrients.
Soil erosion leaves the ground to be very poor in soil nutrition. We see how mosses are very helpful in soil erosion control and preserving the richness of the ground. A moss plant has rhizoids that anchor it to the soil. This anchorage helps control soil erosion in areas prone to flooding or extreme wind activity.
All the benefits mentioned above of mosses make them an eco-friendly choice for our gardens. The fact that it is low-maintenance and gives back so much more all adds to a better environment.