When you think of moss, you might think of some moist, dirty and nasty growth on the side of a tree or a fallen log, probably stinking and almost certainly harbouring some nasty creepy crawlies. But did you know that this wonderful organism can be used for all sorts of applications in your real estate?
If you've got a hankering for a touch of greenery, whether in your garden or in your home, here are just a few reasons you should consider giving moss a try.
A calming force
The idea of using moss as a means for inducing cool, calm collectedness is not exactly a new idea.
If you ascribe to the beliefs of biophilic design, you will be familiar with the concept of using natural features to create a calming effect on your interior design. Potted plants, lush views of the garden, even just using natural shapes are all purported to induce a feeling of Zen on the human mind. One meditation studio in New York, known as MNDFL, even uses moss as an integral part of their process for inducing mindfulness in the form of a green, verdant and very, very mossy wall.
The idea of using moss as a means for inducing cool, calm collectedness is not exactly a new idea. Bonsai, the art of growing dwarf trees, found a place in Japanese Zen Buddhism after being invented in China over 1,300 years ago. The practice was intended to give students the opportunity to sculpt something, with Zen monks in particular using a very austere (or even minimalist) style to create their beautiful dwarfed trees.
A colourful solution
The only limit is really just your imagination.
So where does moss come in? Moss can be used as a way to enhance the illusion of a miniaturised 'universe' - even if you aren't a buddy of bonsai, you could still certainly use the same techniques with just a common potted plant. In this way, it adds a point of difference and some loving detail to some oft-neglected parts of your decor. Rather than allowing the boring brown of dirt or mulch to control your greenery, why not invest in some moss instead? These plants can also be used as garden all by themselves as well, coming in a variety of different species and colours.
Their habit of being very difficult to kill and growing pretty much everywhere should make them popular with anyone new to gardening or anyone who simply wants to try something a little different. Moss has been used in everything from contemporary artwork to a natural insulator and roofing material. There are plenty of ways to utilise this wondrous natural material - the only limit is really just your imagination.
