Mosses

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Being a bit of a Nipponophile ( my word, I hope it's PC ), I've always loved the use of mosses in Japanese gardens . I've also been the owner of and admirer of the book "Moss Gardening" by George Schenk and between these two influences, I've finally been inspired to try and create some moss gardens of my own.
Last weekend my good friend David Leeman returned to the city from a visit to his parents barring a flat of mosses that he had cleared off their roof. Now, I had no excuse, I had the plants and the containers, there was nothing for it but to get cracking.
Here are the results, I have to add that I am moss neophyte and as yet, I can only vaguely identify the species, but so far I can see that I have some Sphagnum, Racomitrium and even some goblet lichens (Cladonia).


The start of my container moss gardens.


Some are with single species( Aulacomnium ??).


Most are a mosaic of different species.

Comments

Is the Wiz said…
Dear Barry, This is utterly magical. What a lovely idea.
May 6, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Paul Jung said…
I was transported, figuratively, to Saiho-ji after your post, Barry!
May 6, 2011 at 4:51 PM
Barry Parker said…
Hi Isobel,

Glad you liked this idea, I have others I want to explore.
It is a bit heavy on the magic and light on the science, I really would like to identify the various species.
May 6, 2011 at 7:37 PM
Barry Parker said…
Hi Paul,

Now I'll have to fabricate a moss covered bridge!
May 6, 2011 at 7:38 PM
Andrea Dixon said…
Utterly fantastic. If only we could get moss to grow in such a dry region! Will have to settle for moss envy... Very very lovely.
May 10, 2011 at 9:27 PM
Barry Parker said…
Thank you Andrea,
Of course, in the same way, I'm envious of what you can grow in your region.
May 11, 2011 at 2:12 PM
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