Plant Doctor Archive

Antiquing with moss

Question 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.

Answer 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.