Moss gardening has been popular in Asia for thousands of years, but seems to be of little interest to most local gardeners. If you Google “moss” you will mostly find recommendations on the best ways to kill it! No wonder people often are confused or skeptical when Steve tells them he’s a moss gardener. To the untrained eye, moss lacks the “wow” factor of many other plants found in local gardens, but with a redirected focus, exploring these miniature forests can be magical. Moss can be used as an element in almost any garden or landscape and is also well suited for containers, both inside and out.
On Saturday, May 10 at the Black Box Theater, Connecticut College Arboretum, the Mountain Laurel Chapter is pleased to give Steve the opportunity to infect us with his love for mosses and teach us how to work with them in our New England gardens. This program will focus on practical aspects of moss gardening with how-to’s and don’t-do’s. Some time will be spent on lichen, ferns and other lower vascular plants that feel comfortable in moss-friendly environments. Opportunities for gardening on stone and other impervious surfaces will be presented. Moss myths will be debunked.
Steve Colgan grew up in Rochester NY, but has been a New Englander since 1980 and lives in North Stonington Connecticut. In 2017, he retired from Pfizer after 30 years as a chemist and regulatory specialist. Steve volunteers for a number of non-profits including Best Buddies, Special Olympics, the North Stonington Conservation Commission, North Stonington Affordable Housing Committee, Simply Smiles, and the UConn Master Gardener program. Steve became a Master Gardener in 2009 and an Advanced Master Gardener in 2012. He recognizes moss as a misunderstood friend and now does his best to advocate for moss and its cronies: lichen, ferns, groundcovers, and shade tolerant perennials and shrubs.
