Can I complete the project I have in mind with your moss?

Question

I am making my bedroom into an Enchanted Garden. One spot I would like to have live moss growing. The area is approx 16″ x 19″. It will not have plants on it in this case, but rather and assortment of items from “Alice in Wonderland.” The moss does not need to be absolutely flat, but that does mean I would need more moss to cover it. This will never be outside.

I do not know what type of moss would be best to use. I was thinking of using something like a jelly roll pan or an aluminum pan (cut down) so there was an 1″ to 1 1/2″ soil under the moss. I would prefer plastic if I can find it.

So, if you can visualize a rectangular area on a table top like surface, a pan on it with moss growing with gently rolling “hills” that would cove the surface from edge to edge. On the moss would be a ceramic white rabbit, small dishes containing vials that say drink me, small dish with plastic tiny cake pieces that say eat me, a pocket watch, playing cards, pebbles in a bowl, fake mushrooms in a bowl with a miniature door (from a fairy garden) on it as well.

I would need to know what type of moss to use.
Will it grow happily on an inch of dirt with morning sun and misting ?
How much actual moss should I buy?
Does it come in sheets, or clumps or what?
Is moss not happy with metals like Spanish moss? (Metals kill Spanish moss!)

I am hoping you can help me put this project together!

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Vicki

Answer 1

There are a few hardy mosses that would suit this purpose, but how much you use is completely up to you. You can blend some moss up with either buttermilk or light beer to make an “innoculant” that will make your project much easier. This is quite a large project that will require much planning, and more information than I could possibly give here. I will direct you to a collection of articles that will give you more than enough information to complete your project.

You can find the information here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/moss/