Winter Moss

The San Francisco Bay Area was pelted with multiple rain storms over Thanksgiving and Christmas, and continues to receive light rain showers into January. Rain means that our moss springs to life. Several years ago I reported on the wonderful green moss in our yard (see Moss). It's time for an update!

Moss thrives along the path in the lower yard, and catches the golden afternoon light. Lichen also thrives on the trees and rock wall. One of these days I plan to harvest some of the lichen for a dye project.

Garden path is lined with moss

Moss also thrives in the yard beneath the oak tree. The filtered winter light on the bright green carpet of moss is lovely. The two terra cotta pot liners are filled with water and attract little brown birds who gather to drink and bathe and forage for insects.

Moss thrives under the oak tree with just a little water

Patches of moss are starting to take hold in the side yard around some camellias trained as trees. The bright green captures the slanted sunlight of winter.

Patches of moss around a camellia tree

I'm grateful for the seasonal rains that bring the moss back to life in the long days of winter!