Moss Gardening Must-Knows
Velvety, lush, and sustainable, Moss is every fairy, cottage, or eco-conscious gardener’s dream, but how much do you really know about this enchanting and mysterious plant species? The Magical World of Moss Gardening, an inspiring gardening guide by Annie Martin, covers moss gardening essentials, including the moss-basic moss queries. Let’s dive into some of Martin’s answers to the most commonly asked moss questions.
What is Moss? Is it a Fungus?
Moss is a plant, more specifically a bryophyte! And no, it’s not a fungus.
“The plant kingdom consists of two basic types of plants: those with vascular tissue to transport fluid and nutrients, and those without. Mosses belong to the latter group of nonvascular plants, broadly known as bryophytes.
Mosses have pointy leaves that grow in a spiral pattern around the main stem of the plant. Some mosses may trick you because their leaves appear round, but if you look closely with a loupe, you will see a tiny hair point on the tip end.”
– Annie Martin, The Magical World of Moss Gardening
Is moss good for your yard? How does moss help the environment?
Yes, incorporating moss into your garden is a fantastic way to support ecological health, offering numerous environmental benefits.
“Mosses are an environmentally benign way to conserve water, control erosion, filter rainwater, clean up hazardous chemicals, and sequester carbon. Also, mosses serve a valuable ecological role as bioindicators for air pollution, acid rain, water pollution, and wastewater treatment.
All of these side benefits of beautiful bryophytes make them good eco-friendly choices for our gardens.”
– Annie Martin, The Magical World of Moss Gardening
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How does moss reproduce?
Moss reproduces sexually without flowers or seeds!
“Mosses never have flowers and therefore no seeds for reproduction. Instead, mosses reproduce in a two-stage cycle. The moss equivalent of a flower is the spore structure or sporophyte (the second stage of the reproductive cycle), and the spores within the capsules equate to seeds. When the spores have matured inside their petite capsules, the wind and rain serve as means for dispersing the spores to new locations.
Discover more incredible moss knowledge and jump into cultivating your own extraordinary moss garden with The Magical World of Moss Gardening!
Moss is an extraordinary plant—it grows without roots, flowers, or stems. Despite being overlooked, in many ways, moss is perfect: it provides year-round color, excels in difficult climates, prevents soil erosion, and resists pests and disease. In The Magical World of Moss Gardening, bryophyte expert Annie Martin reveals how moss can be used in stunning, eco-friendly spaces. The beautifully illustrated guide includes basics on designing and planting a moss garden, and an inspiring tour of the most magical public and private moss gardens throughout the country.
Praise
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“[An] informative guide to a unique style of gardening.” I>Publishers WeeklyPumpkin Beth
“The author flawlessly blends botanical descriptions and artistic sensibilities so that evocative summaries, accompanied by vivid photos, help readers understand the tactile and visual delights of moss, as well as its environmental benefits. . . . perfect for anyone interested in growing moss. A viable alternative to lawns, moss is thoroughly explained in this one-of-a-kind tome from the owner of Mountain Moss Enterprises in North Carolina.” I>Library Journal starred review
“The Magical World of Moss Gardening covers everything you need to know to get started with moss gardening.” I>Kitsap Sun
“Any conversation about the nuanced delights of moss gardening is usually overshadowed by lawn bores wanting to know how to eradicate the stuff. Here is the antidote. Martin’s whistle-stop survey of moss gardens from Japan to North America should convert even diehard moss-militants.” I>The Financial Times
“Comprehensive, inspirational, and full of information, this is a fascinating books for anyone wanting to truly broaden the range of plants they grow…a very useful guide.” I>Gardens Illustrated
“The bible for mossers.” I>Asheville Citizen-Times
“Instead of eradicating this deer-resistant, pest-resistant, rootless, stemless wonder of a plant, Martin tells us how to encourage and cultivate it…Seeing these hushed and serene gardens makes me hope our climate continues to oblige in future summers.” I>Pacific Northwest Magazine
“Down-to-earth advice on how to make the best use of bryophytes in the garden, with profiles of 25 of the most useful species.” I>The Professional Gardener
“In her new book, Martin offers a realistic path to success with this plan, the ‘other’ green ground cover…Whether you’re a newcomer or a (somewhat) experienced grower who wants a successful moss landscape, the book offers insights and options to help you reach your goal.” I>About.com
“As informed and informative as it is beautifully illustrated and thoroughly ‘user friendly’ in content and presentation, The Magical World of Moss Gardening is very highly recommended.” I>Midwest Book Review
“The Magical World of Moss Gardening will encourage and inspire anyone new to moss gardening.”
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