Home » Misc » Moss rock garden design

Moss rock garden design


Beautiful Moss Landscaping Ideas

You are here: Home / Family Lifestyle Tips / Beautiful Moss Landscaping Ideas

by Anna Singer

326 shares

Considering a moss rock garden?  You may be entering into the intriguing, highly creative, imaginative and even surreal “Garden of Bliss and Intellect.” Moss, Lichens, Ferns, Quillworts and Liverworts, Horsetail, are amongst some of the interesting plants which you can cultivate in this highly fascinating, educational and conversational garden! Here are lots of cool moss landscaping ideas and photos to get you started.

Lichen Up With A Moss Landscape!

These rocks have a moss carpet and they make a great border.

A moss rock garden is one of the easiest no-budget landscape design gardens you will even consider. No doubt it will also be the best conversation piece in your landscape and yard! It will be a haven of peace, a retreat for meditation and prayer, an educational and entertaining “condensed nature walk” for your kids, philosophical conversation piece, or perhaps a quarry of edible lichens. The benefits for the ecosystem are many and a moss rock garden makes a beautiful interesting addition to your outdoor space.

Landscaping With Moss: A PRIMITIVE & ANCIENT WONDERLAND

Look at the beautiful little moss lawn in my landscaping bed.

Like Alice in Wonderland, you are probably curious about the many types of moss. As well you should be! Here are some fascinating lichen and moss facts that will capture your imagination and day-dreaming abilities right away:

  1. Out of 20,000 species of Lichens, there are only two that are poisonous. Unlike fungi, lichens are fungi that form symbiotic relationships with bacteria. Thus it probably behooves them to be a bit more “social” than a fungus is required to be. There are only a few kingdoms of living things in all of creation. Animals, plants and fungus each have their own kingdom. In the Fungi Kingdom, the majority are poisonous with few edible.
  2. There are many species of lichen that are edible if they are cooked, but please read up on this. Though only 2 are poisonous, they should never be eaten raw unless in a wilderness survival situation, many are not tasty, and some may even be as old as 3000 years old! 
  3. Manna, the food that the Bible says the Lord “rained from heaven” for the Israelites to eat while in the wilderness, which they gathered on Sabbath preparation day, happens to be a lichen! 
  4. Moss is the oldest terrestrial plant on earth!
  5. Mosses collectively provide more carbon offset than all the trees in the world.
  6. Even though water is necessary for mosses to develop, they are drought tolerant.
  7. Moss has a wider growing range of light exposure than any other plant.  See more moss facts here.

Benefits of A Moss Rock Landscaping

SOME OF THE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES are that these garden buddies are truly excellent for brightening up the landscape and adding value and appeal to your home. They help control erosion, they eliminate the need for mowing or weed-eating in the areas in which you establish them. This lowers your lawn bill, beautifies your yard and prevents your valuable soil from washing away with each rain. Another practical job it can do is make a perfect splatter-guard for basement windows. So many creative things can be done with this precious resource, plant and fungus landscaping tool.

Moss rocks for landscaping can be purchased or found on the wooded areas of your property. Moss thrives in a shady spot. You can become a moss gardener with the tips below!

How To Make A Moss Rock Garden

Need some moss garden ideas? There are so many things you can do with moss and lichens in your landscape. You can easily transfer moss and lichens into your garden or landscape an area near your house entirely for a moss rock garden. Here is what you will need:

  1. A small shovel or trowel to loosen up moss clumps
  2. A wide bucket or wide rubber feeder like you can get at Tractor Supply or a feed store, something wide and water proof for gathering your moss and lichens
  3. A pair of garden gloves
  4. Chosen spots near the house or garden which you would like to give pretty, rich looking ground cover – make spot bare and loosen the soil just enough to give the moss something to “grab” on to.
  5. “Moss and lichens” supply or gathering spot which is near enough to transport these unique and lovely garden “friends”.
SOME TIPS FOR “HUNTING” A “HARVEST” OF MOSS AND LICHENS:
  1. Look in the woods near your house or in your neighborhood.
  2. Collect small transportable rocks which already have moss growing on them.
  3. Look on the bank or rocks near a creek bed or other water source.
  4. On banks of a road in the country.
  5. On cliffs and natural ledges.
  6. At the base of large old trees.
  7. Never take all the moss, leave enough that it will keep replenishing for future “harvesting”.

Moss is easy to grow. It spreads quickly in shady areas and spots near the house or bordering a garden as long as you clear the area, ruffle up the soil giving it something to cling to and spread out over. It likes moisture and so you should water any new plantings often. Especially initially, as periods of dryness can set them back quite a bit.

My moss garden was started last year. I created a moss rock border. As you can see, it is a great choice for steep hillsides. With minimal effort I planted this area near our newly installed outdoor stairway and the moss took “hold” easily, kept growing and has thrived. I think it looks quite handsome, don’t you? I keep adding to it little by little, and by next year I expect it to be twice the size it is now!

If using your own judgement in making your own moss landscape feels overwhelming, you can always enlist landscaping professionals to help you source and choose various moss species.

These ideas and tips should get your moss landscaping off to a good start. I hope you enjoyed these mock rock landscaping ideas. Go ahead, let a little moss “lichen” up your home in just one afternoon! That is all it took me to get a moss rock garden started!

Related Posts:

What Are Mayapples And How To Transplant Mayapples

How to Shop More Sustainably

Tips For Using Tree Bark In Interior Design

When To Transplant Daylilies And Did You Know Daylily Plants Are Edible?

326 shares

Filed Under: Family Lifestyle Tips Tagged With: gardening, homestead, landscaping

Reader Interactions

22 Ideas For Landscaping With Moss Rocks [Inspirational Picture List]

Landscaping with moss rocks turns a rather plain landscape into a truly stunning one. With over 15,000 different moss species, you're sure to find one that fits your landscape vision. The soft texture and colors of moss create a tranquil and serene environment. It draws out and highlights the features of all your plants.

Moss is a relatively low maintenance plant. Try to keep it clear of debris and leaves for optimal health and growth. Adequate shade and moist soil benefit your moss. Leaving bare areas of soil will encourage the spread of your moss. It may take a bit longer for it to completely cover an area, but it will eventually. It can even serve as a lawn replacement.

Moss is the perfect way to enchant an area and make it softer and dreamier. It will emphasize prominent garden features and make even the harshest elements smoother. Plant it along a staircase, along a pathway, or alongside water features. Allow it to fill a garden and soften the appearance of everything in it. Charm your landscape.

Using moss in your garden and landscape design is a decision that you won't regret. Check out the photos below to find some inspiration to create your own landscape with moss rocks!

Thinking about more landscaping ideas? Here's a post about cactus Landscaping.

1. A Central Focus

There's something so relaxing about a courtyard or garden that showcases moss as the focal point. When moss is the dominant ground cover, a few medium-sized dark rocks placed throughout the garden makes for a peaceful and beautiful look.

Observe how well the moss highlights the textures and colors of the other plants in the space. Including so many other natural elements like wood and stone emphasize the beauty of the moss.

2. Lining an Elevated Path

Tall moss rocks make great liners for pathways with steps. The larger size of the rocks coupled with the soft but vibrant green moss beckons you to continue up the steps.

The richness of the mossy rocks elevates the aesthetic of the area. It also helps to soften the harsh angles of the steps.

3.

Prominent Garden Feature

Do you have a large, prominent stone feature in your garden? Letting moss grow on it is a great way to make it look mystic and old. A feature like this goes great right next to a pathway, making it a significant landmark in your garden.

With an environment such as this one, moss can grow and spread relatively easily. If you want to keep your path clear of the moss, remove it as you see fit.

4. Nature Taking Over

This aesthetic makes use of pathway rocks that have been almost completely obscured by moss. This aesthetic shows both the beauty and power of nature. Doesn't the growth of this moss make you feel as if you've been transported into another time?

5. An Aquatic Accent

Moss rocks are a great way to accent aquatic features like ponds or creeks. They help the eye seamlessly transition from the calm water to the serene foliage. Moss is an element that's used in many Japanese and other oriental landscapes. It evokes a feeling of serenity and peace.

6. Geometric Mystique

Moss rocks with unique geometric designs or engravings are particularly interesting garden additions. Moss is the perfect complement that gives objects more intrigue by making them appear aged.

If you've been wondering how best to accent a garden feature such as that, moss is a great choice.

 

7. Fluffy Green Texture

The more moss grows, the fluffier it gets. One of the best things you can do to your garden is to let the moss lay claim to the rocks in their entirety. You won't regret it; the aesthetic is amazing. Look how soft the moss makes the rocks look. The fluffiness of the moss transforms this setting.

8. Mossy Courtyard

Moss and moss rocks are a great aesthetic choice for small courtyards and entryways. The texture and color is a soft, beautiful way to create a welcoming and peaceful aura.

Surround a carefully planned geometric pathway with its soft aesthetic. Contrasting the harsh edges of the geometric pattern with the soft moss evokes harmony between the elements. Allow the moss to grow between the path's crevices to intertwine the elements even more.

 

9. Vibrant Mossy Ground Cover

An expansive sea of vibrant green moss looks incredible in any garden. Moss rocks with light foliage growing on them is a great way to accentuate the landscape. Moisture-loving plants like ferns thrive in the same environments as moss. The colors and textures of these two plants complement each other.

10. Miniature Courtyard

Small courtyards are one of the best places to showcase a mossy look. Coupled with smaller plants and trees, moss rocks and ground cover help create what looks like a miniature ecosystem that exudes comfort and tranquility.

Border your mossy courtyard with layers of small rocks and pebbles to create a seamless transition between the natural elements.

Know more about how to manage these edging ideas! Be amazed about these types of Edging for gardens.

11. Moss Rocks by a Creek

Small creeks are one of the best places to put moss rocks. They are simple, but they go a long way in adding to the scenery. The water will also help sustain the moss long-term.

The mossy rocks soften the water features even more. When the water flows over the rocks, it creates a dramatic effect as the moss drifts in the water.

12. Barn Complement

As this garden demonstrates, moss rocks are a great addition to an autumn, country landscape. The contrasting colors and textures is a great way to make your garden stand out.

The richness of the colorful red barn is drawn out through the textures and colors of the moss and mossy rocks. For your own landscape, note how well colors can be drawn out.

13. Dark and Luscious Forest Aesthetic

In this garden, the moss has completely covered the stone steps and the rock siding. This concept showcases the wonder of nature, and it makes the garden look like it's from a magical wonderland! Don't be afraid to let the moss spread.

14. A Peaceful and Serene Touch

Sometimes placing rocks that aren't covered in moss is a great aesthetic touch to a mossy landscape. The pale grey paired with a sea of saturated green looks amazing and serene. Designing your space like this creates more depth to the area.

15. Vibrant Green Focus

Don't be afraid to let moss be the focal point of your garden. Its vibrant greens and mesmerizing texture help this plant never look out of place. Whenever the fall months come around and your trees start to change colors, the mossy greens provide a beautiful sharp contrast to their colors.

16. Walkway Accent

A single mossy rock goes a long way in terms of adding dimension and intrigue in a garden. Placing these rocks next to walkways is a great way to draw attention to them as a focal point of the scene. Though a solitaire rock looks phenomenal, add as many mossy rocks as you see fit.

Here's a post about garden path ideas that will suit perfectly with these landscaping ideas.

17. Dark Moss Stairway

Moss functions great as ground cover next to stairs. A few well-placed medium-sized moss rocks will help break up the scene and add a level of dimension and aesthetic appeal that'll leave you wanting to see even more of the garden.

18. Large Moss Rocks with Fern Accents

Moss really does make large rocks look aged and interesting, don't you think? The aesthetic can be made even better by strategically planting some small ferns around the rocks.

In a space such as this one, the moss serves as a perfect lawn replacement. As a bonus, it won't require any weeding or mowing! It's nice to keep things low maintenance.

19. Lining a Bridge or Creek

Small creeks that run through your garden are excellent places for moss rocks. They transition the landscape seamlessly. Let the moss grow over your bridge for added enchantment.

Plant a few trees that grow bright blooms in order to create a striking look. The mossy tones mixed in with bright blooms are stunning.

20. An Oriental Vibe

With the right setup, moss rocks can help create a gorgeous oriental scene. Coupled with a koi pond and a small waterfall, a mossy landscape creates the perfect oriental aesthetic. As an added benefit, the moss helps provide nutrients for your koi fish.

21. Expansive Moss Ground Cover

Sometimes it's best to just let moss take over the entire scene! Medium-sized moss rocks interspersed throughout the garden make a great stepping stone walkway with an intriguing color scheme.

The dark grey stones create a beautiful stark contrast from the moss. Letting the moss spread this much softens the entire landscape.

22. Zen Courtyard

Zen courtyards are so peaceful. One of the key factors that give them this vibe is the moss ground cover and the well-placed moss rocks. If you want your garden to look like this, the simple addition of moss rocks will do the trick.

Position a stone bench surrounded by pebbles inside of the mossy area so that you can sit in the space and fully enjoy the richness of the area. This set-up is perfect for escaping from any stress you may be experiencing.

Add more to your landscaping ideas with these hair cap moss for your Garden. Also if your thinking about removing these moss? These tips on how to get rid of moss in your lawn.

Creating a rock garden - what you need to know

Creating a rock garden - an alpine slide, may seem quite simple, but only at first glance. Get rid of the thought of just stacking a few rocks and planting plants right away! Everything is somewhat more complicated... Let's start in order....

Contents of the article

Which stone to choose

Porous soft stone is best suited for rock gardens. Harder stones take longer to develop a weathered appearance because they are less susceptible to moss and lichen growth.

Aged stones give the rock garden a natural look. The weathered stone looks like it has always been there. nine0031 Also, stick to stones that are the same color, shape, and texture. If you use similar stones, the rock garden will look more natural.

How to Arrange the Rocks

To give the impression that the rock in your garden is just an exposed part of a massive underground formation, each rock should appear firmly grounded—as if it were the tip of an iceberg.

Each rock should also appear to be connected to its nearest neighbors, separated only by gaps in which you will grow plants. nine0031 Stay away from stone patterns and too even distribution. Strive for a sense of randomness in your rock garden.

Make a massive group of stones and mulch the areas between them. The placement of the stones is critical to creating the look.
Rocks in rock gardens should be positioned as if they were a rock formation exposed by gradual weathering or severe erosion. Therefore, the main rocky surfaces should be located in the same direction throughout the rock garden. nine0003

If the stones are layered, arrange them so that the seam lines run in the same direction, as in most natural stone formations.

How to age a stone

When a new stone is taken to build a rock garden, it may look out of place. His "novelty" may attract undue attention.

Growing moss on rock would solve this problem, and believe it or not, this way of aging rock is quite common in rock gardens:

  1. Take some moss, about 2 cups of yogurt and 100 grams of clay so that the moss mixture sticks to the stones better.
  2. Mix moss, yogurt and clay until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture over the stones.

When the moss has established itself, spray it to keep it moist. And voila, your stone does not scream about its newness, but whispers: "I've been here forever."

Why lichens are important in rock garden design

When you hear people talk about rock garden design, the term "lichen" often comes up. nine0003

Lichens are called "reindeer moss" because they are a food source for reindeer. Despite the nickname “reindeer moss,” lichen is not moss at all. This is a symbiosis of fungi and microscopic green algae.
Lichens are important in rock gardens because they are drought tolerant. They survive alternating desiccation and wetting, which gives them an advantage in colonizing difficult environments. The lichen lovers website has instructions for growing lichens on rocks.
Like moss, lichens growing on rocks give rock gardens the desired "old" look. nine0003

Making the stones look old plays a key role in achieving the natural appearance of the rock garden.

P

Rock Garden Base

Once the stones have been set in place to form the base for your rock garden, the soil needs to be prepared before planting.

In nature, plants growing among rocks prefer well-drained soil.

Add some sand to the soil you will use for planting. nine0003

Do not mix moisture-loving and drought-tolerant plants, plant them in groups on different sides.

Which plants to choose for rock garden

Let's face it... In the garden, first of all, it is not about stones, but about plants . Plants in rock gardens take center stage. However, well-chosen and well-placed rocks will take some of the strain off rock garden plants: they don't need to look spectacular because their function is to complement the rocks that surround them. nine0003

You can't just plant old plants in the ground and hope to create a spectacular landscaping. It's also not easy to decide what is "better" to plant - it will depend on your goals. However, here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Rock garden plants should be selected according to your climate and other practical considerations.

  1. Rock gardens in warm climates require different plants from those used in colder climates.
  2. If you live at high altitude, you might consider a classic alpine garden.
  3. If you live in the desert, cacti and succulents are a smart choice. They also go great with stones.
  4. If you have a warm and humid climate, ferns and begonias are an excellent choice.

In the following article you will find a list of perennials commonly used in rock gardens.

How to arrange plants in a rock garden

To create a spectacular rock garden, arrange the plants so that they look natural.

Turn to nature. Pay attention to the rocky terrain with wild plants growing on it. You will not find a hodgepodge of species. You are likely to find large patches of low growing plants. If you like creeping phlox, for example, your problem is solved: a rock garden is a potentially great place to plant creeping phlox. For dry land, Angelina stonecrop is better.

Do you have doubts?

If a rock garden doesn't seem right to you, consider creating a rock garden.

Corner of Switzerland - do-it-yourself rock garden - Rehouz

Does your backyard consist of bumps and potholes? No need to change anything, a picturesque alpine-style garden is ideal for such a relief!
In addition, the creation of an alpine slide is an exciting and creative process. nine0161

The “Swiss-style” design of the site has at least two advantages.
You do not need a lot of space and scope, you can equip a rock garden even on a piece of land.
And secondly: the mountain garden is easy to care for, because the stones do not need watering, top dressing, replanting ...

Alpine hill (rock garden)

The main thing is that the alpine hill is in harmony with the general appearance of the estate, the exterior of your house. For example, a rocky garden will make an expressive pair with an English cottage, housing in classical and Scandinavian styles, and will also enliven minimalist architecture that is fashionable today. nine0003

Do-it-yourself rock garden: where to start?

To create an alpine slide you will need:

  • tools - tape measure, scissors, cord, pegs, garden and bayonet shovels, watering can;
  • stones of various shades and sizes from boulders to rubble;
  • sand, gravel, limestone and humus;
  • finally, seeds and seedlings.

First of all, you need to plan the territory, create the outlines of the future garden - first on paper, then on the site. At this stage, a tape measure, pegs, sand and cord will come in handy. With their help, you will mark the places where there will be stones and plants, a bench or, say, a gazebo. nine0003

Then, the marked area is cleaned, carefully weeded, weed roots are removed. And they are preparing a platform - the basis for a rock garden.
To do this, remove ~ 20 centimeters of soil, and at the bottom of the recess, a pillow of gravel ~ 10 centimeters high is poured. It will be required to protect the roots of ornamental vegetation from excessive moisture. However, if the soil is rich in sand, drainage is not needed.

Gravel is covered with another pillow, sandy. After that, the layers are compacted and watered. nine0003

Next, prepare the soil: earth, sand, humus and peat are mixed in equal proportions. You should not "improve" the composition by adding more humus or any fertilizer. After all, your task is not to grow the "Gardens of Babylon", but medium-sized and modest plants typical of mountainous areas.

The prepared mixture is distributed over the area and at the same time the relief of the future alpine hill is modeled. Remember that the embankment should not be smooth and unnaturally even. Your goal is to give the landscape maximum, mountain naturalness .

Peaks, depressions, paths, beds of future “dry” streams are formed by hands… And then the selected stones are laid on the “bed bed” of soil, sand and additives. How to choose them?
Best of all, if these are boulders of the same type - this way the composition will look like a real, miniature mountain range. Wild, naturally shaped fragments of sandstone, tuff, dolomite or granite, complemented by gravel, will do in any case. Just keep in mind that the larger the area on which you want to break the rock garden, the more noticeable, the larger the stones should be. nine0003 Do-it-yourself rock garden: installation of stones

They begin to lay them from the center - the core of the future hill. First, the largest, most colorful block is fixed in a specially made funnel. So that it does not sway, it is fixed with rubble. In the same way, the rest of the stones are planted in individual "nests", chain by chain. About two-thirds deep into the soil, they are not only more stable, but also look realistic, like a small mountain range. The space between the “seated” stones is thoroughly sprinkled with soil and watered - in the future there will be vegetation here. nine0031 If the stones you have chosen are too massive, let them rest for a couple of weeks. And only when the earth settles under the blocks, start landscaping.

Rock garden plants are selected according to the following criteria:

  • they must be resistant to the local climate;
  • not too high;
  • with perennial vegetation;
  • with various flowering times.

First, trees and shrubs are planted in the widest areas. nine0031 The rock garden is a reliable copy of the rocky landscape, which means that the plants must correspond to the mountain range.
- Firstly, these are low conifers: pines, arborvitae, dwarf spruces. Low-growing, but slender trees exemplary fit into the space between the boulders and will not obscure them.
- Secondly, mountain terrain tends to be bushy, so find a place for them too. Cotoneaster, honeysuckle, heather, juniper, blackberry, barberry are perfect. It is great if cultures with leaves of an unusual color, shape or bright berries come across between the bushes. nine0031 - Lastly, cover vegetation is planted - hostas, mosses and ferns, as well as discreet but showy flowers. Violets, bluebells, multi-colored lupins, cinquefoil, kupena, flax, adonis ... And other colorful cultures that can create bright spots against the background of brutal stones will decorate the alpine hill, give it authenticity.

Learn more