Moss Lawns And Other Alternative Lawns
Moss lawns, an increasingly popular alternative to traditional grass lawns, are composed of various types of mosses. Their rise in popularity is attributed to several factors, including their low-maintenance needs, unique visual appeal, and suitability for shady or moist areas where grass struggles.
To establish a moss lawn, these updated steps should be followed:
- Select the Ideal Location: Moss thrives in shady, damp areas with efficient drainage. Preferred locations include north-facing sides of buildings, under tree canopies, or spots receiving regular rainfall or irrigation.
- Soil Preparation: Moss favours acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. To acidify the soil, add sulphur or use acidifying fertilisers. Clear the area of grass or weeds, loosen the soil, and incorporate organic matter like compost or peat moss.
- Choose the Right Moss: Varieties such as sheet moss, cushion moss, rock moss, and haircap moss are popular. Opt for a native species that matches the sunlight and moisture conditions of your location.
- Planting the Moss: Fragment the moss into small pieces and firmly place them on the soil to ensure good contact. For quicker establishment, mix the moss with buttermilk or a moss-growing solution.
- Regular Watering: Initially, water the moss daily until it establishes. Then, reduce watering to once or twice a week, based on climate and soil conditions.
- Maintenance: Once established, moss lawns require minimal upkeep. Remove accumulated debris, and use a rake or broom to fluff the moss. Minimise foot traffic to prevent damage.
Weeding is a significant aspect of moss lawn care. In Japanese gardens, paraquat-based weed killers were traditionally used but are now banned. Experiment with other contact weed killers or resort to spot treating or hand weeding.
Common types of moss for lawns include:
- Sheet Moss Lawn: Low-growing, spreads quickly, ideal for shady areas.
- Cushion Moss Lawn: Dense, velvety, suitable for rock gardens or moist areas.
- Rock Moss Lawn: Hardy, tolerates sun and dryness, great for rock gardens.
- Haircap Moss Lawn: Taller variety, ideal for damp, shady areas.
- Peat Moss Lawn: Used in bog gardens or wetlands, bright green colour.
Each moss type has unique characteristics and growth requirements. The choice depends on factors like climate, soil type, and maintenance preferences.
Additionally, there are alternatives to moss lawns:
- Calamine Lawns: Grown from plugs or small pots, calamine lawns require extensive weeding during establishment.
- Sedum Lawns: Commonly used for green roofs, sedum can be planted as pot plants, plugs, or mats. Early-stage weeding is crucial for establishing a healthy sedum lawn.
Moss lawns offer a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to grass lawns, adaptable to various settings and capable of creating distinctive, natural landscapes.
Images from Depositphotos
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