Plant Doctor Archive

Antiquing with moss

How do you get moss to grow on rocks? Someone told me that you could put moss and beer and other ingredients in a blender and pour it on the rocks and it would grow.

Yes, it is said that if you mix a few handfuls of moss with beer and sugar in a blender, and then brush this onto rocks or bricks, it will encourage algal growth.

On a recent garden show, they also suggested brushing a mixture of horse manure, yoghurt and water onto a statue (or anything for that matter) to give it an antique appearance.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

Reproduced with permission from NZOOM Home and Garden content, from the previous website of    HOME AND GARDEN   Plant Doctor Archives Main Page