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Jacksonville, FL - mold/moss


Question
Sean - I want that other Jax guy's "paver mold"!  We live in Jax, and we WANT to grow moss between our "pavers".  We have a large area of Vermont slate; it's partially shaded and does get afternoon full sun.  Is there a low-profile moss that will thrive/grow for us here?

Answer
I am sorry but I don't specify moss often enough to tell you the name of one that works best for your area. Besides, there are probably hundreds of species. But actually the name is not really that important because its rare to find any for sale in a nursery. I can tell you that when I have had projects requiring moss I sent my contractors into local woods and road side ravines to collect it. It is imperative that you collect a moss that is growing in similar conditions to where you plan to plant it. One growing in a wet area will not thrive on a dry patio and vice versa. Sun conditions should also be similar, pay close attention to when the space gets sun. Some moss can take the morning sun but not the afternoon.
Also your patio joints need to be wide and have soil between them instead of concrete or mortar.
When you plant it, its a good idea to take a bowl and pour in some composted cow manure and then add some butter milk and water. Mix this into a mushy paste and brush it onto the area you plan to place the moss. Then press the moss into this paste.

If you have a local specialty nursery (NOT a Lowes or Home Depot's garden center or anything similar) I might pop in and ask them if they sell any moss. That is your best chance for buying it. It is rare to find the right moss for sale in the quantity you will need. Typically they sell Irish moss and others that are propagated in Washington State or some far off place and the varieties wont do well in your area.

I would grab a couple trays and a small hand shovel and head off into your local private woods to find what you need.
Watch out for snakes and be aware it may be illegal to take it from some parks and public lands.

Best of Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
http://amenityarchitects.com

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