I received my Oregon green moss from http://www.kinsmangardens.com/ and it is always a process to get it ready to put on the baskets, hayracks and urns. One note, it has never happened in my garden, the leftover moss I had from last year, I donated to my daughter-in-law's urns and the birds are taking it to build nests! I am going to take a chance putting it around my urns and hayracks. Mine is fresh moss, so maybe they will leave it alone.
It comes in a bale all tied with string which needs to be cut away. The moss can then be peeled away in sections (do not soak what you are not going to use) and soaked in water for about thirty minutes. It needs to be squeezed as much as possible and then can be torn, pieced, stuck inside of the rungs of the baskets, and layered between the plants if you wish. This is not like the moss you will buy at Home Depot or the local garden center. It is so natural, green and brown, almost seems like you plucked it from the woods.
Once used outdoors, it lasts for the season. If you have kept it dry from last season, it is still good to go, maybe a little darker. I am going around today to collect the old moss from last year, and I will place it in the middle of my posts between the plantings to conserve moisture. This may seem like overkill and fussiness, but it really does conserve moisture in those pots that are exposed to the heat and sun.
Go ahead, begin "mossing around."
P.S. I bought a large basket of pansys (10 pansies in the pot), and will separate them into two hayracks.
Remember, if you buy those small ones in the flats they will barely get big enough when you will have to take them out because of the heat (if you live in zone 5 or above). I put mine on the north side of my house when they are big and beautiful (around May 1, here in Chicago area).
13 comments:
I love the look. It hides the places very well that you are wanting to cover up.
Hi Eileen. Your moss looks much better than the hay rack liner by itself and really makes those pretty pansies pop. I usually scoop up some around the woods or yard to add to some of my containers but it will not stay green for me. Your urn planting is so pretty and so do all of those daffodils.
Becca, glad you are good! Yes, It covers up all of the bars and really does help keep the moisture in when it heats up.
Eileen
Lona, how great that you can find moss locally. The only moss around me is what grows between my patio pavers.
Eileen
Eileen,,, everything about your gardens looks so 'together'! It seems like I've always got a ton of loose ends in mine!! Larry
You know Larry, they say that's what keeps us young - having a lot to do, or is that what makes us old? I have not yet decided which one is correct.
I did get the salvia you recommended and a few others. I may have to get my lights out of the box in the basement. I said I wasn't doing this anymore!
The moss really does create a more natural look ... it's a great idea.
Very pretty - I love mossed containers. Last year I mulched some of my containers with moss and it was a great help with keeping the moisture in the soil.
Hi Bernie,
It does create a woodland look even though many of our trees have been cut down because of Dutch Elm disease.
Eileen
Hi Bernie,
It does create a woodland look even though many of our trees have been cut down because of Dutch Elm disease.
Eileen
You are right Garden Girl. It really does help cut down on the watering, especially in the hayracks.
Eileen
Beautiful, Eileen. I'm off to do my pots today. How 'bout this stunning weather!
Hi Joey,I can't wait to see your pots.
Eileen
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