Thursday 2 February 2012

Moss gardens.

 Moss is often found in Japanese gardens.    It brings softness to the space.    I have always loved japanese moss gardens.    Whilst reading a gardening magazine a few years ago I was captivated by the above image.      My garden is full of moss due to the high water table, so I decided to try and create something similar to the above.    I did not realise how long it would take for the moss to cover a small area.
It is slowly creeping, and I do mean slowly.   I added a small piece of moss two years ago and this is the result.     The two barrels that lie below the oak bucket are partially covered......the light was wrong today so I could not get a true photograph, so will post another time.

I am pleased with the effect.......hmmmmm, now all I need is a frog !!

17 comments:

  1. As many gardens grow from patience as from hard work.
    nellie

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  2. Dear Cheryl,
    Lovely! I too enjoy moss. It is so pretty. My back brick walks have lots right now. I see ice on your barrel. Ice....oh no. I have heard about the winter storm that is pounding the UK and Europe.
    I am sending you courage and hope as you face these end of winter cold, cold days. May your bees be safe.
    Sherry, who is watching for caterpillars

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    1. Dear Sherry,

      Tku.
      Yes, ice indeed. It was covered this morning. I leave the pump running so that the birds can drink from the bucket.
      The ground is frozen....I am very worried for my bees. I hope they have found my safe areas in the copse.
      Unfortunately some plants are not looking to happy:( I am learning acceptance.

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  3. It is looking lovely Cheryl and I can quite see why you were inspired to try it. Did you try smearing the barrel with yoghurt? I believe that encourages the growth of moss.

    I see I missed your last post, I have struggled to catch up :-( but I was very taken with Mr P's plant supports, so much nicer than bamboo canes.

    It is bitingly cold here and we have snow forecast for the weekend although they may change their minds yet!

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    1. Hi Jan,

      Tku, give it another few years and I think it will be beautiful :)
      I have put yoghurt on stone pots. I did not put it on the barrels because I think the water will dilute it and it will drop into the pools below. The water stays beautifully clear, so did not want to chance it but tku for the suggestion. I always love to hear what you hve to say.

      Have a lovely weekend and stay warm.

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  4. HI Cheryl...I love yours over the other..the pump and the wooden pail is definite a me kind ..I find that moss has a mind of it's own!! It grows right where it likes it best!
    Seems your getting there..I like it just the way it is,but well maybe without the ice ; } Want to see the rest though!!
    Grace

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  5. A good start for a moss covered bucket. That ice looks cold. Brrrr. We are still warm here. I wouldn't doubt that a cold spell swishes through here sometime before winter is over. I have some areas that have moss growing in paths. I love the look of it. It dries up during summer. This past summer was the worst for the moss. It has barely returned this winter and it has been mild and wet.

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  7. That's beautiful! What a lovely idea :-)

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  8. I like moss too as it seems so wise to me. As if it's the beard of an old man or a gnome.

    We had plenty of moss growing between the stones on our walkway and on some of the rocks, particularly in the rock garden. Most of our backyard was moss as the trees provided lots of shade and very little sun, so grass just turned into moss.

    I like your oaken bucket - even the ice paints a pretty picture.

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  9. I can see why you were so taken with that photo, Cheryl; it does remind me of a Japanese garden, too, which you know I love. I've never tried growing moss before; I had no idea it took so long to establish. I'm afraid our last two dry summers would have been the end of any moss started here.

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  10. and a frog that goes a wooing by the look of it. Moss on your bucket is a lovely sight though - a sign of ageing and settlement

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    1. Ageing and settlement....a little like me Laura :)

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  11. I really like your moss garden, one of my favourite things is to see old drystone walls covered in moss. Like you I have a lot of moss in my garden so I might try something similar.

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  12. I love the moss. How different it looks covered in ice, too.

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  13. Hi
    How is your moss garden getting on? I have an American friend who is publishing a book on moss gardens and is looking for photos to illustrate it? If you can help please contact her via http://mountainmoss.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=331
    Best wishes
    Michael

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