Читать книгу Miniature Moss Gardens - Megumi Oshima - Страница 6

FOREWORD

A Peek Into the Secret World of Moss

When we hear the word moss, we tend to think of a flat green plant growing in cool, damp places hidden deep in forests or mountains. This is not the case. We can find moss in familiar places. It grows on the edges of pavements we regularly walk on, at the foot of brick walls and in many other untouched areas. It is so much a part of the scenery that we take it for granted. Only when moss grows in luxuriant masses, seemingly like a green carpet, do we tend to notice it.

In recent years, moss gardening has started to attract attention. There are many ways to enjoy moss. One is in the form of kokedama moss balls, in which moss is wrapped in a ball around the roots of a plant. Another is kokebonsai, where small plants and moss are planted together in a pot. Majestic natural beauty and nostalgic woodlands can be replicated in moss tray scenery, and moss planted in transparent containers, or terrariums, takes on a life of its own.

In this book, we will explain what moss is, how to grow it successfully, how to make various miniature moss gardens and how to care for them. Whether you have fallen for the charm of moss and want to try growing it yourself, or have bought a kokedama at a gardening store but are not sure how to look after it, or have tried growing moss before but it turned brown and dried up, this book will give advice and help you enjoy this very satisfying hobby and maintain an interest in it.

In our busy everyday lives, irrespective of the changing seasons, the eternal green of moss soothes the soul. Simply gazing at it can bring about a warm, relaxed feeling. Why not try adding a bit of calming moss to your own busy life?

POP QUIZ

How Much Do You Know About Moss?

1. Moss likes sunshine. Yes/No

2. Moss is not found only in natural surroundings but can be seen in cities too. Yes/No

3. Moss has a kind of root system. Yes/No

4. Moss does not need fertilizer. Yes/No

5. Moss changes its appearance when it absorbs water. Yes/No

INTRODUCING

Kokedama—This moss ball is a bit cheeky but is honest and kind at the roots. In this book, he acts as a spokesperson for all kinds of moss from many different places.

1. Yes. Moss needs more than water to grow.

2. Yes. Moss can grow on concrete, so is often seen in cities.

3. Yes. However, they do not serve the function of absorbing

nutrients and are called rhizoids.

4. Yes. When moss is sick, it should be given a revitalizing

agent, not a fertilizer.

5. Yes. As soon as water is sprayed on moss, its leaves open.