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The Dirt On Moss Gardens Moss is no longer the gardener's deep, dark secret. Ahmed Hassan shows you how to take this weed and showcase it. From "The Dirt On..." episode DTDO-103

Moss can be a cool alternative to standard groundcovers.

Moss can be a lush, green addition to your landscape. It was once labeled just a weed, but many people are starting to embrace it by adding it to their perennial beds or rock gardens with stunning results.

There are still those that are a little afraid of moss, and it may not be perfect for every backyard, but if you like the look, why not go all the way and plant your own moss garden? The secret to success is to understand moss itself and know the right way to transplant it into your garden.

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Names can be deceiving. Scotch moss is actually not a moss at all.

Growing Mosses

Moss is a plant that grows from spores and has thin, green branches instead of true roots. It doesn't have leaves or flowers so flowering groundcovers like "Scotch moss" are not true moss. Clumps of moss you see are really thousands of plants bunched together, much like your lawn.

If you want your moss garden to grow, you have to plant it in the right spot. Choose a moist, shady area for your moss garden. Compacted soil is best so if you have loose soil, tamp it down before transplanting. Moss doesn't need soil to grow. It will grow well on rocks or stumps because it gathers nutrients from the air, not the soil.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

There are two ways to plant moss in your garden. The first way is to blend it, creating a "moss margarita" in the blender (figure A). Here's how to do it.

• Blend a few pieces of moss with a little water for about two minutes. Adding buttermilk, sugar or beer will help the liquid stick to rocks. Stop blending when it resembles the consistency of a thin milkshake.

• Pour your "moss margarita" over rocks or soil, spreading it with a paintbrush.

• Keep the area moist and within five weeks you should have a moss garden started.

If you want to get it going a little faster, you can transplant bigger pieces of moss. Here are the basics:

• Water the soil and the bottom of the moss.

• Gently press the moss onto soil to remove any air pockets (figures B and C).

• Spread the "moss margarita" in between the cracks for full coverage.

Moss is pretty tough. Once it gets started, if it's in a moist, shady area, it should be just fine. Cultivate it properly and you'll enjoy your new moss garden for years to come.

Go to next article in DIY's "Gardening Specialties" series.