Sometimes we have to make a real conscious effort to change our preconceived ideas of how our gardens should look and how we manage our spaces. How we feel about moss is probably one of the biggest perceptions to conquer. For years we have been ‘fighting back against moss’ using ‘moss killers’ and ‘moss destroyers’ to rid this nuisance from our lawns. It’s a controversial subject, the products manufactured to kill moss [using chemicals like iron sulphate or even glyphosate] is a massive commercial business; not to mention the lawn care companies and gardeners out there trying to do the best for their clients…
Yet moss is an ancient plant that can filtrate pollution from the air, it is responsible for some of the oxygen we breathe today and it provides a diverse habitat for a range of microscopic animals and organisms. It can help prevent soil erosion as its water absorbing qualities can soak up to 20 to 30 times its weight [Sphagnums; hence the importance of going peat free] which slows down run off and at the same time filtrates the water.
Let’s just skip back to the microscopic animals and organisms as they are the creatures that pack a hard punch when it comes to the health of our environment. Nematodes, mites, tardigrades, rotifers and gastrotrichs are some of the names of these creatures that are found to inhabit moss [they are also prevalent in our soil too]. It is these tiny invertebrates that are crucial in fertilising the soil, taking out pollutants from the air and absorbing carbon. Innovative sustainable solutions harnessing the power of moss are even popping up in and around our cities to help reduce the pollutants in the air we breathe; see Green City Solutions . So why are we still pre-occupied with killing it? Because our lawns and borders look better without it?
The moss that grows in our lawns tell us that there is moisture, shade and the lawn grass is lacking vigour. In the UK we inhabit the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere which correlates to wetter weather, combine this with lower light levels during the winters it is not surprising that most lawns will break out in moss. We will always be ‘fighting back against moss’ as it happens to adore our natural climate.
As a grower at heart, choosing the right plant for the right place is the most logical solution in dealing with all sorts of ground condition scenarios. Damp, wet, even waterlogged areas in people’s gardens is rife here in the North West and there are many design and planting solutions that will be far more appropriate and sustainable than turf. Bog gardens, bio-swales, wet woodland areas and yes, moss lawns, could provide so much more interest, habitat and actually play a role in cleaning up our environmental mess.
I know we are all consumed by so many responsibilities and it’s difficult to look after everything. But this one is really easy to action. Resist buying those moss killers, try to reset your perception of moss and maybe enjoy watching the blackbird collecting this life-supporting plant to make its nest.