Blog Action Day 2009 was yesterday. The subject: Climate Change. Gardenhelp.org participated by posting a lengthy article on water here.
Mossy "Lawn" and Ferns in Norie's Garden
Today I received a brief write up from guest writer Norie Burnet who has been gardening in the same fantastic spot for many years in Richmond, VA. She shares these observations of change in her own garden over those years:
“The effects of climate change in my moss garden have been subtle but worth noting. First of all, our wooded subdivision surrounds a 13 acre lake just south of Richmond, Va. I remember well the wonderful ice skating forays there in the 60’s and 70’s, especially in early January. With the milder temps today, this no longer happens. Ice skates are gathering dust. Gardenwise, I’ve noticed changes as well. The Japanese holly fern, a zone 8 plant, has been thriving in this zone 7 garden. This is also true for a variegated pittisporum, also a zone 8 shrub. Generally winter damage to plants is less severe. Suddenly finding some fall blooms on a rhododendron also seems out of sync. The moss lawns, a dominant part of my garden, Eden Woods, just go with the flow forming especially lush green carpets in the winter months. In order to achieve this, the moss must be kept clear of fallen leaves and other woodland debris.”
Read more about Norie’s beautiful garden in earlier posts here.
Earlier this year, I had the special opportunity to meet Nori Burnett and get a personal tour of her moss garden in Richmond, Virginia. Over 30 years ago she began the process of incorporating moss into her garden in place of lawn. She had tried to establish lawns, but in her woodland setting it was a losing battle. Taking an “if you can’t beat’m then join’m attitude” she began researching the types of moss in her garden (no small task) and cultivating its growth to create vast swaths of rolling green.
These photos were taken at the end of winter. She shared printed photos and magazine photos of the garden (yes, the garden is somewhat famous!) throughout the year, and take my word for it, the space is stunning. Nori will be the first one to admit that moss doesn’t make a great “lawn” for dogs and children, but in a more adult-oriented space with lots of shade, it makes sense! The birds and squirrels may peck up some patches, but they’re easy to refill. The look of the moss changes throughout the year and provides a quiet, inviting, soft space to tread upon.
