GARDENING: The magic of moss

Moss-wrapped trees, stone walls and banks – typical beauty of the west of Ireland. It is a calming and nostalgic sight. This is the very scenery people looked at a hundred years ago, if not a thousand.
Moss is an ancient plant, and it has a diverse range, with over 20,000 varieties in existence. Here in Ireland, we have almost 800 bryophyte species!
Research says mosses contribute far more than previously understood to ecosystems across the world, in particular to soil health and carbon storage.
For example, peat bogs, which are thousands of years old, are largely made up of layers of dead sphagnum mosses. They can store enormous amounts of carbon (which is finally being acknowledged in this country), and us gardeners should avoid commercial compost containing peat to help save them.
So, why not consider these amazing plants as friendly companions in our gardens, instead of treating them like an invasive enemies?
When I came to Ireland and started gardening more than 20 years ago, I was startled to see moss killers in the garden centre. I just couldn’t understand why.
For the Japanese, moss is a valuable wild plant. It’s nature’s magical plant, something sacred even – it is allowed grow on sacred mountain paths, by streams, in temples.
With all the awareness that is growing around the environment and the idea of protecting the native species and resources, I think now is the time to embrace this plentiful magical treasure in Ireland.

Japan’s moss gardens
You may have heard of the beauty of moss gardens in Japan. The most famous one is Kyoto’s 13,000-year-old Saihou-ji Temple, commonly known as Koke-dera Temple (from ‘koke’ meaning moss and ‘dera’ meaning temple).
Its large garden is very simple, dotted with some trees that cast shade over the moss so it doesn’t dry out so much in summer. It contains some thin, hidden canals that wind their way through the moss towards a main pond. When sunlight filters through the branches and leaves of trees onto the moss, it has a special effect like rippled water in a river or the sea. (Sunlight that is filtered through the leaves of the trees is known as ‘Komore-bi’ in Japanese.) In autumn, red and yellow fallen leaves on green moss are particularly beautiful. In winter, the sight of the single-flowered camellia that fall on the moss is similarly pleasing.
Here, in this temple, a world heritage site, you need to book your visit, and before you explore the garden, you need to sit and copy sutra (sacred scriptures) in the temple. The idea is to calm your mind, so your senses will be sharpened and you are able to see, feel, and smell what is happening in the garden.
My other favourite garden which features moss is Tofuku-ji Temple. This is a fantastic place to visit in early spring, throughout the summer and particularly in late autumn, when you see the spectacular ‘Kouyou’ (coloured leaves).
But here, I am drawn to the small corner of this garden, a checkerboard mosaic of stones and moss. It is a surprisingly modern design to our eyes, yet it is timeless… its grids fade out as the mathematical patterns are taken over by moss at the edges and patterns disappear. I was pleased to find out recently that this is Monty Don’s favourite garden in Japan as well.

Moss gardens in Mayo?
So now, how can we adapt the moss garden in our West of Ireland’s ‘Wabi Sabi’ (beauty that is appreciated for being imperfect, impermanent and incomplete) environment?
It is relatively easy. If you look at our native forests, rivers, stone walls and even on the pavements in our towns, there is inspiration to be found. Let’s copy nature. With the Irish climate, which sees rain 280 days of the year, we have a perfect rain forest climate.
Before you get started, check your site carefully; it might be advisable to start with a small area where there is shade and where there are wet patches.
Clear the area of weeds, stones, etc and firm the surface of the soil. Plant shade-loving slow-growing trees and shrubs, as well as ferns, as well as stones and rocks in a design that pleases you.
Scratch the surface of the soil and transplant wet moss, pressing on the ground. You can try varieties of moss to see what type works in particular surfaces or patches etc.
Water the entire area for 4-6 weeks, if you don’t have any rain.
Enjoy creating your moss garden. Maybe you can send some photos to The Mayo News! You can email them to living@mayonews.ie.

Eriko Uehara Hopkinson is a member of the Clew Bay Garden Trail. A chain of beautiful and unique private gardens, the trail opens to the public during summer to raise funds for charity (see www.clewbaygardentrail.ie for more). Each month, an article by a trail member will appear in these pages.