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Greener than Grass
1 Jul, 2008 By: Heather Pittinger LivescapesHave you ever taken a blender to an installation? Perhaps the appliance is put to good use (with some margarita mix) after the job is finished, but chances are you don't have it on your standard equipment checklist.
More's the pity, because an application slurry literally mixed in a blender can yield a gorgeous swath of moss on rocks, outdoor furniture, sculptures or just about anywhere else you slather it.
"The slurry gives decent results, but the transplant method for moss yields even better retention rates," says Heidi Masucci, operations manager for Moss Acres. "Using our water-retention gel, Hortasorb, also helps the transplant take hold and keeps it in place."
 Al, left, and Dave Benner are true "moss gurus." |
Moss Acres is a direct result of actions taken by now-retired horticultural professor Dave Benner. As a child, Benner was given hedge-trimming duty, a task he detested and swore he would never do as an adult. Benner made good on his no-yard-work vow years later when he purchased 2.5 wooded acres in New Hope, PA, part of the Pocono Mountain region, in the early 1960s. He decided to replace his grass with moss to simplify things.
"He read up on the research available at the time, and decided the best approach was to lower the pH level in the firm, compacted soil," explains Masucci. "He cleared the grass and put down a layer of sulfur."
The first year bombed. But Benner didn't give up. His patience was rewarded in year two, with an even, "green sheen" of moss present across his property.
 Get to know Moss |
Over the next 30 years, Benner perfected the no-maintenance process: In the fall, he puts netting down to catch leaves that settled onto the moss. He rolls up the leave-filled netting into compost, which fertilizes the moss the following season.
His family grew up and left home, but son Al saw the business potential beyond the decreased yard work. About 10 years ago, Al convinced his father to start Moss Acres as a moss supplier and product distributor. Dave is currently chairman and Al is president of the privately owned company, which is headquartered in northeastern Pennsylvania.
In addition, the elder Benner offers personal tours of his large "woodland garden" at the New Hope location. Limited to 16 people per tour, and only available during the month of May (peak wildflower season for his area), it's become a local attraction. A visitor center is in the works, along with Japanese and water gardens to showcase Moss Acres' products.
 Moss is particularly popular in Japanese garden design. |
"It really hits a nerve with everybody, especially because it's an environmentally responsible approach," says Masucci, who notes the absence of mowers, fertilizers and herbicides makes it a very appealing option for green-minded consumers. "It's so much easier to do, and a lot of people are getting into it. We're taking orders every day."
While moss thrives best in deep shade and humid areas, it takes virtually extra no watering or mulching — yet another eco-friendly benefit. It's also making an appearance on structures, as part of "living walls" or "living roofs," Masucci says. "There are different techniques, but the concept is the same," she adds. "In Japan, moss is really catching on and designers here in the States are starting to incorporate it in their Japanese Zen gardens."
Moss Acres has supplied moss for installations ranging from standard homes and businesses to even cemeteries and large-scale projects. The company recently supplied the moss for an installation at the New York Times' Manhattan headquarters, as a backdrop to its auditorium.
 Placing netting over the moss catches leaves for composting. |
"Moss offers that tranquil, back-to-nature feeling," Masucci concludes. "I think it will continue to gain in popularity."
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