Glycerol is a non-toxic, polyol compound that maintains the plushness and texture of the moss.Ī natural dye, often food-grade, is then applied to the moss to give it the desired colour, most often a natural green to emulate that which one might find in the wild. Preserved moss was once alive but has had its water content removed in place of glycerol, or another chemical agent (you can read how to preserve moss here). The short answer is no, but it is designed to look like it is. Now that you know a little more about moss for gardens, why not experiment with growing some for your landscape.So, what does it mean for something to be chemically preserved? Is preserved moss alive? Fern moss is fast-growing and strong, and another good grass alternative in shady yards.It provides a good height contrast against other moss.

Haircap moss grows relatively tall and looks like a tiny forest.

It’s good for mossy gardens or accents on stones in flower gardens.

Cushion moss grows up to form a ball-like structure that changes color from dry to wet, making it a good choice for a more moss-centric garden.

Ceratodon moss is also good between stones.

Sheet moss is very easy to grow and can withstand foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for a lawn alternative or breakup between paving stones.

There are a few moss varieties that are especially popular for home cultivation. It can also be the centerpiece of your garden, particularly if different varieties are used and different heights are achieved with the placement of stones. It can provide color and texture between bricks and paving stones. Moss can also be used as the lowest level in a shade garden to make for another tier in an arrangement of differing heights. Nothing says a lawn has to be grassy, and a damp, highly shaded yard, in particular, may perform much better with a type of moss that can handle high foot traffic. A good way to narrow down your choices in what garden moss types to use is to determine what you want to do with your moss. There are 22,000 varieties of moss worldwide, so you have quite a few options. Keep reading for more information about different types of moss and how they can fit into your garden.

Thriving on just a little bit of moisture and shade, it actually prefers compacted, poor-quality soil, and will even be happy with no soil at all. Moss is the perfect choice for that spot where nothing else will grow.

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