Paradise Mossed; Forsaking the Finicky Lawn for a Sturdy, Vibrant Carpet of Green FINAL Edition

• Published in: The Washington post
• Main Author: Carr, Martha
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, D.C WP Company LLC d/b/a The Washington Post 03.07.2003
• Subjects: Gardens & gardening; Lawns
• ISSN: 0190-8286

Discerning differences forces close observation of the moss world. [Norie Burnet]'s predominant species, the fern moss, resembles tiny little fern plants up close but from a distance is a deep green, uniform carpet with small, random hills. It is soft and sturdy enough to walk across. Two other varieties in large areas of her yard are white moss, lighter in color and resembling velvet cloth; and broom hair moss, which looks like fuzzy bear fur. The white moss spreads out in pathways, much like the fern moss and is just as nice to walk across, while the broom hair moss is mostly found curled around the base of trees. Whether you are planting fresh moss or seeking to expand an existing colony, clearing an area around it will help it spread. The key to getting lots of moss to flourish is a willingness to keep it clear of fallen leaves, twigs, seed pods and other natural litter, and to weed the moss bed. Burnet uses Round Up to keep weeds at bay. [David Benner] likes moss gardens in winter, when the mosses emerge as one of the greenest plants in the garden. "It's most beautiful from November to April," he said. Last year's drought was tough on moss but, Benner said, "I didn't water and it came through." But if there is any doubt that moss enjoys wet conditions, this year dispelled it. "Just unbelievable," he said.