Gathering Moss

Whose lawn is greener? If you ask Annie “Mossin’ Annie” Martin, it’s likely the one covered in moss.

The Brevard author and businesswoman has made it her mission to champion all things bryophyte. That comes naturally in the biodiverse microclimates of Western North Carolina, where some 450 species of moss grow in between sidewalk cracks and on rock precipices, deep in the woods and on rooftops.

“Mosses make my heart smile,” says Martin, who runs a landscape business called Mountain Moss on the edge of Pisgah Forest. Timber Press published her book, The Magical World of Moss Gardening, last fall. She’s as likely to be spotted climbing a ladder propped up against a construction site—in the hopes of salvaging a specimen before the bulldozers have their way—as she is teaching folks of all ages about the wonders of these ancient land plants.

Here she shares a few highlights and tips for wannabe mossers:

What’s so special about moss?

When the dew drops encapsulate the spore capsules, there is no doubt how magical mosses really are, from the verdant expanses of green to the tiny details. My purpose in life is to be a mosser and to create moss joy everywhere.

What are some moss misconceptions?

It surprises people that they actually have to take care of moss when landscaping with it. Most people see it growing in nature and assume it will be just as easy for them. When you’ve got moss in your own front or back yard there are some maintenance duties: Keep leaf litter off, clear debris, provide supplemental water to encourage growth.

Maybe the biggest surprise is that many moss species grow in the sun. Most people have fallen prey to the universal thinking that all mosses grow in the shade, require moisture, and live on the north side—it’s a surprise to me that they haven’t noticed moss on the high rock precipices that are totally exposed to the sun. Most people equate moss to a flatness of a grass lawn, whereas those are just the ones growing sidewise. There are also upright mosses and they can have all different shapes.

Mosses also have all hues and variations of green that are possibly imaginable, so I am amused when interior decorators refer to paint as “moss green.” To me, “moss green” encompasses the entire range of green colors in the spectrum.

What’s a benefit of moss gardening?

If you had a moss lawn instead of a grass lawn, it would use one-ten thousandths of the water required. With a moss lawn, there’s no need for a drenching soak. It needs a light mist for a maximum of three minutes, three times a day.

What tips do you have for beginner moss gardeners?

The first step to moss gardening is to let it grow in naturally—stop fighting it. Encourage growth by removing leaves. It’s key to introduce the appropriate species for your microclimate. My biggest piece of advice: start small. Choose a focal area that you can create as a feature in your garden. Don’t expect to accomplish a huge expanse and convert your entire yard, unless you have big pockets or you have a legitimate source for acquiring your moss. Don’t buy it dry and don’t buy it in a plastic bag—I abhor the little bags of moss or sheet moss. And please do not steal from our protected national forests.

Learn more and order an autographed copy of The Magical World of Moss Gardening at mountainmoss.com.