And like mulch, moss works as a design element, drawing in the eye and unifying an area. Its spreading nature also helps suppress weeds. It’s green, holds moisture, and helps retain the soil. Moss has a natural antifreeze in it and as soon as it defrosts, it comes out healthier thanks to the extra moisture. Moss is winter-hardy Moss loves being covered by snow because it stays hydrated. David says backyard moss is not a good option for soccer-playing kids or ball-catching dogs. But because moss doesn’t have deep roots, it can’t take active movement: It will scratch up off the ground. Here’s why: Moss can be squished flat and it will bounce back. Moss can take foot traffic You can walk, drive a car, or ride a bike across moss. In areas where conditions are bad for grass, moss excels. Moss will grow anywhere Moss takes up residency and spreads happily where no other plants will (or can): on stones, wood, soil, in deep shade. Moss is drought-tolerant Once it is attached and begins to spread, moss can survive on rainfall. Compared to other lawn options (we’re looking at you, turf grass), it’s totally carefree. This small plant doesn’t grow out of control or need mowing or pruning. Moss gets nutrients through its leaves - from rainfall and sunlight. Moss is low-maintenance Because moss doesn’t have a root structure, it doesn’t need nutrients from the soil. “I love this plant.” If you want a lawn in the shade, moss is boss. The Raleigh, North Carolina, garden you see above is both test garden and homage to the wonders of moss.ĭavid is a moss evangelist. The yard surrounding his home is a verdant moss garden, complete with water features (moss loves moist spots!) and a 10-foot-wide moss mound that is simply magical. David Spain, the moss manĭavid Spain lives in a moss paradise. And they are ubiquitous: Moss can be found on all seven continents. Mosses have been around at least 450 million years and are the oldest plants on land: They cushioned the feet of dinosaurs. Moss is remarkable in its self-reliance: It requires neither fertilizers nor pesticides. But its small stature makes it the most magical. Moss is one of nature’s most low-profile plants. If you’ve hiked woodland trails, you’ve likely stopped in awe and knelt to get a closer look at mounds of moss growing on the forest floor.
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