Friday 27 April 2018

searching for moss.

 It's raining.   Perhaps the perfect weather to look for moss.
 The woodland area leads to the copse.   I knew there would be moss looking at its best here.
 Moss has no roots.   Moss loves places that are cool moist and dark.
 Moss loves shady ground, rocks, trees and a moist environment.
 Moss can only grow in a clean environment.   Certain animals, such as reindeer, consume mosses because they contain chemicals which warms the blood.
 Its a fascinating subject and one that I intend to study more.   Anyway come over the bridge with me.
 If we stop in the centre and look to our right there are rocks covered in moss.
Growing alongside them is this pretty little Asplenium Scolopendrium (the hart's tongue fern)   Usually found in shady walls, the rocks are obviously a perfect situation for it.
I did not plant it.    A may well buy some more though and plant amongst the rocks.    A perfect situation for any creature looking for cool damp shade in the height of Summer.

Rainy or dry, enjoy your weekend.

15 comments:

  1. We are having a near perfect weekend weather-wise. It is cool and sunny. I have been out moving a few plants. I dug up some ferns and moved them to my shady spot near the moss. There is so much that I want to do. I don't seem to have the energy I need. We have been birding so much it takes my energy. Bah...We have had the coldest April in 57 years and tonight is to be a record breaking freeze. I will be the one out wrapping the house plants with blankets. We actually had a light frost this morning. Not heavy enough to kill anything but it was a little scary to look out and see it. I hope you get a little dry weather soon. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Hi Lisa,
      We are expecting cold weather on Sunday/Monday.
      We had the coldest Easter since records began. Isn't it all just so crazy.
      You might be interested to know I saw my first Blackcap in the garden. I was working in the woodland area and he was singing his little heart out. I absolutely froze, I was so taken with him.

      Have a good weekend......enjoy the bright spell,

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    2. I googled your Blackcap. What a sweet song. Is this the first for the year or the first for your garden? The Birder in me needs to know.

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    3. They fly in from South Africa. This is the very first time I have had one in the garden. I am delighted and am hoping it will nest nearby.

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  2. P.S. I think I also see a bird cage in your garden. :) The hearts tongue fern is beautiful. How lucky to have one pop up. Definitely a sign that you need more. Grow little fern, grow little moss.

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    1. Yes it is a bird cage Lisa. It was originally filled with moss and ivy but unfortunately something took a liking to it and kept pulling pieces out, so I gave up :(

      Harts tongue is a native fern. I have several around the garden but this little one is free :) I will get another couple to plant amongst the rocks.

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  3. Moss in the wet always looks very refreshing to me! Love it. Rained all day here too

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    1. We have wet and very windy conditions for the next few days.
      Good for moss and ferns but not for me. Have an awful cold today :(

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  4. I enjoyed my walk around the garden with you, your photographs are lovely.
    I didn't know that moss can only grow in a clean environment.

    Wishing you a good weekend. I think we are in for cooler, wetter days again.
    Hopefully May will bring some warm, sunnier days.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I did not know about the clean environment issue Jan.
      I am learning :)

      Have a good weekend.........in the rain :(

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  5. Wonderful woodland area. Love mosses in the garden and I too have plenty of them, including all kind of ferns.

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  6. What a magical post, loved it! I also love moss and didn't know that it could warm a creatures blood, I may study it more too. I love moss in the lawn too, gives it a soft, cushioned feel.xxx

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  7. Quite jealous of all the different areas of our garden, Beautiful

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  8. Ooooo, it is pretty! I too googled blackcap song - how wonderful that you had one in your garden!

    It was nice to come on your "moss walk", over the bridge and through green parts. I hope the moss continues to grow and spread in your garden. And the little hart's tongue fern.

    I did not know moss needed a clean environment to grow. I have moss growing under the trees in my backyard. The soil is sandy, so not very moist. Or maybe it is simply because the sun cannot penetrate the canopy of leaves. Hmmm. Will have to do some study on moss as well.

    Thank you, Cheryl!

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  9. I have always loved moss... so fascinating and it speaks of ancient lands...

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