Miniature Moss Gardens. Megumi Oshima
Contents
FOREWORD
A Peek Into the Secret World of Moss
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Moss
What is Moss?
The Characteristics of Moss and How It Spreads
The Structure of Moss
Three Types of Moss
ABOUT MOSS 1
Moss Symbolizes “Motherly Love” in the Language of Flowers
Chapter 2
Observation, Discovery and Gathering
The Best Way to Observe and Collect Moss
Early Morning or After Rain are Ideal
Tools for Observing and Gathering Moss
How to Look at Moss Close Up
ABOUT MOSS 2
Is Bryum Good for Allergies?
Chapter 3
Care and Maintenance
How to Maintain Moss
How to Obtain Moss
Tools for Maintaining Moss
Fertilizer and Revitalizing Agent
When to Water
How to Water
Where to Keep Moss
Moving Moss Around
Moss Troubleshooting
When on Vacation
How to Grow More Moss
Sowing Method
Cutting Method
Moss Stretching Method
ABOUT MOSS 3
Once There was a “Moss Color”
Chapter 4
Making and Displaying Moss Creations
The Right Moss for You
Necessary Items for Moss Gardening
Basic Tools for Moss Gardening
Soil and Sand for Planting
Making Planting Soil
KOKEDAMA
What is a Kokedama?
Making a Kokedama
Caring for a Kokedama
Different Kinds of Kokedama
Making a Moss Ball
MOSS BONSAI
What is a Moss Bonsai?
Making a Moss Bonsai
Caring for a Moss Bonsai
Plants That Complement Moss
MOSS TRAY LANDSCAPES
What is a Moss Tray Landscape?
Making a Moss Tray Landscape
Plan Moss Trays Carefully
Replanting a Moss Tray Landscape
Creating Waterside Scenery
Creating a Landscape with Driftwood
Creating a Landscape with Rocks
MOSS TERRARIUMS
What is a Moss Terrarium?
Making a Moss Terrarium
Caring for a Moss Terrarium
Moss Terrarium Tricks
Items for Displaying Moss
What is a Moss Garden?
ABOUT MOSS 4
Photographing Moss
Chapter 5
Finding Moss in Cities and Mountains
Where is Moss Found?
How to Find Moss
In Cities
In Mountains and Forests
Moss in Cities and Mountains
When Collecting Moss
Shinjuku Area
Inokashira Park
Mt. Takao
Kamakura
ABOUT MOSS 5
Composing a Verse About Moss
Chapter 6
Moss Identification Guide
Moss ID 1 Leucobryum neilgherrense
Moss ID 2 Bryum argenteum
Moss ID 3 Hydrophila propagulifera
Moss ID 4 Brachymenium exile
Moss ID 5 Racomitrium canescens
Moss ID 6 Leucobryum bowringii Mitt.
Moss ID 7 Polytrichum juniperinum
Moss ID 8 Hypnum plumaeforme
GLOSSARY OF MOSS TERMS
AFTERWORD
FOREWORD
A Peek Into the Secret World of Moss
When we hear the word moss, we tend to think of a flat green plant growing in cool, damp places hidden deep in forests or mountains. This is not the case. We can find moss in familiar places. It grows on the edges of pavements we regularly walk on, at the foot of brick walls and in many other untouched areas. It is so much a part of the scenery that we take it for granted. Only when moss grows in luxuriant masses, seemingly like a green carpet, do we tend to notice it.
In recent years, moss