On a recent visit to the North Carolina Arboretum during HandMade in America’s Western North Carolina Craft, Architecture & Design Expo, I came across the most incredible moss garden. In “The Green Carpet: Bringing Spirit into the Landscape,” the variety of colors and textures was a delight to behold. Who knew something that grows on the floors of our forests could be used to create such a magical space?

There are more than 450 varieties of moss in Western North Carolina, says Annie Martin (also known as Mossin’ Annie) of Mountain Moss Enterprises. Annie was part of the Luther E. Smith Associates landscape team along with other firms in the collaborative design of the garden for Expo. A moss expert and enthusiast, Annie believes mosses are underused in everyday landscapes despite. “I believe in the aesthetic beauty of the species,” Annie says. “But also, the fact that moss is a sustainable plant material, is environmentally safe, and is a relatively hardy plant make it a very viable horticultural option.”

The “Green Carpet” showcased the many types, colors, and soft textures (yes, you can walk on them without inflicting damage) and how they can be arranged with other plant material and regional art to bring drama to outdoor areas. Use moss to create a little pocket garden in your yard or add to a water feature. Moss looks great between pavers and stone walkways and can even replace grass for a luscious lawn. Ever consider a rooftop moss garden? Or how about a container garden of moss on your patio or deck?

Annie dispels the myth that moss only grows in shady areas. “Like any other species of plants, there are varieties that do well in shade and others that do fine in sun. It’s all a matter of getting the right plant for the right place.”

Another earth-friendly benefit of moss is that it creates a permeable ground cover. Where mulch absorbs much of the rainwater, whereas it flows through the moss and the soil to the water table below. Mosses range in color from different shades of green to deep reds, vibrant oranges, and golden yellows, depending on the growth stage of each plant.

Mossin’ Annie advocates creating public moss gardens where people can learn about this amazing group of miniature plants that includes mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and others. “The environmental advantage of eliminating fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides parallels the aesthetic appeal of verdant mosses,” says Annie.

For more information, visit mountainmoss.com or email Annie at mossinannie@gmail.com.