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Something I always wondered...I know in nature fallen leaves generate the "natural compost". But, where does the "green" matter come from? I would think green leaves wouldn't fall on the forest floor like brown ones do...
You would be surprised what squirrels do over the years russtling around in the trees or storms blowing things down. He is correct though, plants do so very well in that kind of soil and it is much easier on the hands, the dirt just crumbles.
dont forget the mosses. but in reality you can make compost from only brown matter, it just takes longer and doesnt have the higher nutrient values we associate with "compost"
Caleb,
I have moss that grows around my iris, how would that do? It sure keeps the weeds down, but wondering if it cuts the oxygen off from the iris? Or does it actually send oxygen to the roots? I do have to till around them.
I love moss as a groundcover, as far as I know its porous enough to readily allow air exchange. Moss is also an indicator for acidic soil, but my iris do great in acid soil. One other point, plants put off oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, so they shouldn't have any problems getting it to the roots.
as far as I know the soil in So California tends to be alkaline, moss likes a soil ph of 4-5, yours is probably around 8, you could try putting down a couple bags of peat moss and a bug of sulfur; let it sit for awhile then test your ph and see if its low enough to plant some mosses on. One other idea you can try is growing on rocks, just make sure they aren't limestone or any of the lighter volcanic rocks, granite and basalt works well. Ive heard (not tried) that if you put some moss and buttermilk in a mixer and blend well then paint on the rocks where you want it to grow, it will sprout new moss in a few weeks. remember to keep well watered.
Caleb, I did try the blender thing with moss and beer, didn't work at all! You're right, my soil is probably too alkaline for moss...although my azaleas seem to be doing ok in that same area of the garden, they're probably more tolerant!
