There are a few different mossy/licheny colonies around our yard.
Along the eastern fence-line, there's some type of lichen with just a tiny bit of moss growing in between-- and just outside the fence (and away from the lawnmower's reach) the occasional bit of reindeer moss (which is actually not a moss at all). A mix of mosses and lichens-- and a little more reindeer moss-- grow along parts of the southern boundary of the fenced yard.
Around the river birches and crepe myrtles in the southwestern corner (shaded by tall pine trees), there's a lot of moss growing. Not surprising, considering that it's a mostly shady spot with soil that, to put it kindly, retains moisture well.
(Please pardon the blurriness of some of these photos. I was under attack by mosquitoes! So much so that I cut the moss photo expedition short. Maybe I'll continue it some other day.)
Then there's the more finely textured moss growing on the front edge of the step up to the kitchen door-- a little moss here and there on pots and pavers-- and the cushions of moss dotting some of the paths through the woods.
I don't know much about moss or lichen identification, but fortunately, you don't have to be an expert to appreciate natural beauty.
Last week, I collected a little moss (and lichen) from here and there, and put them in small pots that I'm unlikely to use for anything else (mainly because they're just so small). I've put them in shady parts of the covered patio, where I should remember to keep them watered (since I'll already be watering so many other potted plants).
I can't guarantee they'll last for long, but they were free ;o) and it was fun potting them up!
One of these days, I'm going to make some more hypertufa troughs/planters, and when I do (and when they're cured and in place), I may remember to try a moss smoothie on some of them. The only thing better than a faux stone planter is a faux stone planter with a generous coating of velvety moss!
