It is hard to believe that this is January in Canada this year!! The pachysandra ground cover is full and green
and no snow cover of any description as of yet!! But best of all the moss covering on the garden is a beautiful shade of green and thick and lush....
The small pond and stream has some water in it from the heavy rains....yes....rains yesterday, and looks very much like it does in early Spring....quite unusual for this time of year......
The moss on the lower terrace has never looked this good in January....like a carpet.....I took this pic yesterday!!!!!
Large rocks from our woods, which comprise the small waterfall in a section of the man made stream, are covered in moss and looking very green from all the rain. We drain the stream and small ponds to prevent frost damage and heaving in the winter. Although it is over thirty years that the garden was begun, it is holding up fairly well with just a few cracks which had to be repaired...
Here you can see the moss carpet on the lower terrace in the summer. It has taken this long to establish! I am so particular about its care that I don't allow any leaf blowers near or on it!!! Because of the near perfect conditions of our surroundings, shade and cool temperatures, with filtered light, the moss and lichens have added that natural touch to the garden which I am so grateful for.....
The rocks which make up a portion of the garden were collected from our woods, by my husband and his uncle Bert. He was a tool and dye maker and fashioned a contraption for lifting the heavy stones and then bringing them into the garden. It was truly a labour of love, and his assistance was invaluable. He will always be a large part of the memories and story behind its design.
The upper pool and waterfall drained of water in the winter.......still beautiful and so natural......
Another peek at the lower terrace in the summer. The moss always looks best after a light rain. I have read in many gardening books, about recipes of manure tea, beer and buttermilk mixtures to encourage moss to grow. Happily, I am blessed with it through no effort on my part, just a little patience, which any gardener must have much of !!!!
A small bacony off the dining room, holds more moss in a zinc lantern which I have adapted as a planter, and the small shoe also holding a small pot of club moss. I try to be true to the direction which my garden has taken me, although I have grown roses and other delicate flowers, my garden has a mind of its own!!!
More club moss on a small stone column on the terrace....you can see how the planter is acquiring a lovely mossy patina.....not a bit of help from me......
This very old garden ornament has acquired, again its own patina, and is sitting on moss covered flagstones...
......The lower terrace in early spring..........with a distant view of the south garden, the only area with lawn that does well!!!
In the center of this photo, you can see the moss covered stone bridge ,which crosses the stream to another small flagstone terrace.....I try to extend the boundaries of the formal garden into the woods, seamlessly....
A very good view of the lower terrace and how patiently I have waited for the green carpet to arrive here.....
.......the stone bridge at its best.....the stream leads to the main pond in the garden, which is bordered by hostas and hydrangeas and peonies, and box.....
......again the lower terrace in early spring, you can see the hydrangeas in the forground, just sprouting, as well as roses with my favourite anchoring shrubs....boxwood....and of course hostas....but its winter!!!! and here I am going on about gardening......sorry!
I always bring the moss indoors as well.... in a vintage English planter with maiden hair ferns, which pair so well with it...
...and here, this last Christmas I purchased some frosty fern to bring indoors, reminding me of moss....
It is hard to imagine that all that green goodness is going on under here....asleep and revitalizing itself
to put on a verdant show soon....
The moss in my garden has been a deciding factor
in its growth and development over the years, as well as its natural beauty.
Hope you have enjoyed a touch of green today!
N.xo
