Travel -Very Important Mosses

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Now that Winter is here, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on the influence of travel on ones ideas and attitudes to gardens.
Although I wouldn't even attempt to build a Japanese Garden, I am always inspired by them and try to incorporate many of the details in my own. This picture was taken in Kyoto at the Ginkaku-ji Temple, it shows a display of the mosses used in the design and layout of the temple gardens. Each one was carefully labeled and arranged under a sign that said "Very Important Mosses".

Comments

Phil said…
Fascinating - have you seen the Moss Grower's Handbook published by the British Bryological Society downloadable from http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/Resources/Downloads.htm#mgh
December 1, 2010 at 9:30 AM
Barry Parker said…
Hi Phil,

Thanks for that, I will check it out.
Do you know George Schenk's book 'Moss Gardening"?
It's very inspiring and includes Lichens and Liverworts.
December 1, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Anonymous said…
Dear Barry, I completely agree that to try and create a Japanese garden outside of Japan is foolhardy in the extreme. But, as you say, there are so many elements that can be 'borrowed' which can really work. I love the idea that Mosses can not only be 'very special' but are also worth such careful scrutiny!
December 2, 2010 at 6:01 AM
Barry Parker said…
Dear Edith,
Japan continues to be a mine of inspiration for me. In fact, I think it would be for anyone involved in the Arts or Design.
December 3, 2010 at 6:20 AM
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