This method doesn't work well on resin statues and artificial landscape rocks. That’s the thing about moss; it only grows when it feels like it; when all the elements are exactly right. I tried putting the slurry on the dirt patches and keeping it moist, but it wouldn’t grow. The porous … Much to my dismay it grow where it wants, not where I want. Keep your pots in a cool, shady place, and water the moss regularly to help it thrive. Do you have Moss Growing on your concrete surfaces? Into the blender, mix roughly one cup of plain yogurt with two tablespoons of moss. The trouble with garden moss though, is that sometimes it may not even grow at all on its own. Any ideas? Moss usually grows where the sun does not hit, undersides, crevices etc. Required fields are marked *. Any extra can be salvaged after it dries if you have it on a large paper or plastic sheet. This material will give the moss a constant supply of moisture. Repeat this process with a small amount of green and black paint. Place each selection of moss onto the area with a firm hand. Maybe people want to believe because it seems so easy. Moss is quite resilient as it can come alive even after drying out. It was quite fascinating and tedious to make not just those cute miniature buildings with all the details but also the amazing little trees and landscaping that looked so realistic. Follow(function(d, s, id) {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) return;js = d.createElement(s);js.id = id;js.src = "https://www.bloglovin.com/widget/js/loader.js?v=1";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, "script", "bloglovin-sdk")). So, I decided I would make some moss of my own grow on my rustic Concrete Masks. Mix a few cups of water with a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of green paint and mix well. Alright let me tell you; I have quite the history with moss! The colour is quite nice with the garden green as it is a blended mix of fibres. Algae, Fungi, Lichens, Moss: Chemical Cleaning of Brick, Concrete, or Stone Surfaces. Moss-covered pots or garden statues look as if they have been in place for years. Sprinkle the flocking onto the areas of medium. In order for me to deliver valuable content for free, it takes both time and money. If you have greenish-black stuff on your concrete patio, it's probably mold, mildew, or moss. Here are several ways to grow moss in the garden statues. Take the sponge and totally soak it into the stain and then start squeezing it above the statue letting gravity and the natural shape of the figure dictate where the water will run. If the basecoat fails to … Use a cloth to rub the paint into the folds and crevices. By the way, I was giving some ceramic face masks that would painted in bright colors and patterns that I did not care for so I painted them with a thin layer of cement and I now like them so much more now. Instead of a glue that may soften when wet I use acrylic Matte Medium as that is waterproof when dry. Preferably, it is best to use live moss. Unless you have years to wait, I like to ‘make my own’. Watch out: don't try any cleaners or preservative treatments on a valuable cultural artifact or art work without first discussing options with a professional art conservator. Allow the mixture to sit for a day or two at room temperature to create spores. Learn how your comment data is processed. And then added the moss the same way. Blend until smooth like thick paint. The trouble with garden moss is that sometimes it may not even grow on its own. Pre-wetting will keep the color … If the moisture/sun level is right it may like to grow… Just a thought. I collected a good amount of green moss from the forest. 50 years ago. Moss-covered pots or garden statues look as if they have been in place for years. I would keep it natural though. I have moss growing on old bricks, stones, pieces of weathered wood, but only a faint green glow of algae on my 5 year old concrete bunny and none at all on a two year old concrete statue of 'little boy and girl with umbrella' -- not that I haven't tried. Collect moss from around your yard and tap it to remove the dirt. That’s why there is no moss in parking lots! It is not an easy thing to keep it damp either as it can dry out in no time during a hot summer. I would have to get a degree in chemistry and botany to figure out why not… Maybe the concrete has some residual material/PH that the moss does not like. Moss is great for giving things such as new statues or walls, an aged, shabby chic feel. Paint the concrete planters. I have been trying to grow the darn stuff for years and like you I have it everywhere but where I put it. And if it does, it could take a very long time. Yoghurt provides a medium on which your moss can grow. The care of the moss is identical. thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial. Keep painted concrete pieces in a cool, dark place. See here. In this example, we are using a purchased concrete garden statue. Thanks for documenting your process on the moss growing. Look for the same characteristics in concrete as you would in stone. This technique can work with anything that you want to look like old mossy concrete. The more moss you want to grow on the statue, the more moss you should add to the buttermilk. Moss can make things feel as if they are part of the garden and have been there forever. Many homes in humid climates are constantly battling algae and fungus growth. I had a patch of lawn that naturally grew very mossy, but it got torn up by a construction grew one day. It is key that it is completely dry. After the base coat dries, spray on a light coat of sealer to protect the finish. I have also done this with other small ceramic items that where not the color or colors that I liked. First, combine plain yogurt or buttermilk (two cups) and chopped moss (one and a half cups) in a bucket. How to Clean Moss From Concrete. Step #1 Make the mix. And if it does, it may take a very long time to become established. For some strange reason this year all the factors came together and I had some really nice little fuzzy green moss take hold. But whether moss or other things grows depends a lot on many variables. But moss is not picky, as I see it grows in the most odd places. Have you ever gotten live moss showing up on some of you oldest cement projects outside? Dab on areas where moss would likely grow thick enough to allow the flocking to imbed into. If any green remains, reapply vinegar and don't rinse it off. I don’t want it just sitting on the surface as then it will probably peel off over time, as many of the ‘topical’ finishes do. So, when I wanted some moss on my concrete I thought it was a no-brainer… Well, check out my interesting moss adventure so you too can figure out how to make moss. I have included some great examples of where you could grow your own moss furth . Moss also adds tranquility to any shade garden. Blend until it is a somewhat smooth slurry. Any donations will be used directly to bring you new and useful content! The colour is somewhat brownish due to the soil from the moss. You guessed it these are all concrete!…, Everyone gets to be a bit silly sometimes. I have a feeling that the method is always bad. Grow moss on clay and cement statues and containers. Moss will make certain garden elements look and feel aged and as if they have been part of the landscape for years. I have a concretre patio on which moss has started to grow.I would like to encourage the moss to spread over the entire patio which is shaded most of the day. Measure about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of crumbled moss into a food processor or blender. It is very particular about where it wants to take up residence. If you are casting your own concrete with moss in mind, mix 1 part dry peat moss or finished compost to 2 parts concrete mix. Woodland Scenics Green Blend T49  Turf Flocking, Acrylic paint (black, yellow, red & White). (can be found at Hobby and Model Train Shops). To adhere the moss flocking is similar to working with glitter. I waited, and waited and waited. Sometimes I even surprise myself…. Encouraging moss to grow on new clay pots helps the pots blend in with the greenery of your garden. Press the strips of moss onto the soil. How tough is it once the glue dries? I don’t like weeds or other little plants there, but ‘nice’ moss is another story. I sweep up the material that did not adhere and I seem to get a lot of coverage with it. And if it does, it could take a very long time to beco. Limestone is often used as an additive to cement which may explain why certain species of moss are attracted to concrete structures. It will depend what dolls you can find though. Under trees, in bushes, in overgrown grass are all good places for moss to grow – take a look around your garden and see which other spots have moss growing in them and his will likely be a good spot for your new ‘old’ object to age. Rake up any leaves or debris and remove them from the area, then gently level out the dirt so it’s mostly flat. Blend the mixture until it is smooth. This is what is going to give you the most natural effect, just as it would had the drippings from a tree been the agent. Good luck. How about creating a moss landscape rock or garden statue? It is amazing stuff, keeps it great realistic colour and can be used for many things. Add more milk if it won’t blend. In the bowl or bucket, mix together water, bonding agent and pigment. Even though algae itself does not damage the structural stability of the cement or concrete, it can still cause troublesome problems. As you may know now, I have a lot of ‘making’ in my history; some of which was teaching architectural model building. I had the same problems with using the milk/blender method and it wasn’t even on concrete. Concrete is a porous material which allows the rhizoids to attach to the sheltered areas of the concrete. This is genius and as soon as I am out of corona lock down i am doing this !! I love the idea of being able to have mossy stuff in the house without the damp! I have had these heads out in the elements for a year and they are still holding their moss quite nicely. Put the moss pieces in a blender and add 2 cups buttermilk. If you look at some old statues you will see how they develop dark areas, and not always just black, but also greenish or brownish. In addition to the beneficial physical structure of concrete, different species of moss grow based on the acidity of the structure. ‘Moss on’! Nowadays kids tire of stuff so quickly there are loads of dolls at thrift shops. I don’t think you will be disappointed! Moss-covered pots or garden statues look as if they have been in place for years. Here's a way you can accelerate and establish a beautiful green moss cover over your garden rocks and concrete features. Any donations will be used directly to bring you new and useful content! Somewhere below where the birds … Why not make your Halloween designs last forever?! As a non-vascular plant, the body of moss has no roots; rather, it uses tiny threads (rhizoids) to anchor itself to the stones, trees, or ground where it grows. 50 years ago. I have been dealing with this little green stuff (not the better green stuff) at my shady place for many many years. My weather is too fluctuating as well from super cold to super hot, prob not the best for moss…, I have an old metal bed I got for $5 at a yard sale. As a concrete enthusiast, I have always asked myself, “Why does moss grow on concrete?” Through web-based research, I have discovered more about the biological structure of moss and how it interacts with physical and chemical structure of concrete. Yogurt provides a medium on which your moss can grow. As a precaution I collected a few varieties. Pay special attention to the etched and cracked areas, as they will absorb the mixture faster. Our next article will cover means and methods for creating a concrete that is resistant to moss and lichen growth. Then soak your sponge in the stain and then start squeezing it above the statue letting gravity and the natural shape of the figure dictate where the water will run. As in my tutorial for aging I use watery washes of acrylic paint (black, white and other colour mixes) so that it sinks into the porous concrete. If your concrete is in shade and has easy access to moisture, here's a recipe that should work. First, growers need an old blender to use specifically for this project. I suspect there is something to do with the PH as well. I even put some of the mix in between the flagstone and saw no action there either! Most moss requires damp and sheltered areas to absorb water through the rhizoids to prevent the moss from drying out. This will hold moisture better, and moss thrives on it. And being a true artist I keep ALL media, as you never know when you need it… Voila turf flocking fibre. Moss-covered pots or garden statues look as if they have been in place for years. As a precaution I … The concrete contains a biological layer that collects and stores rainwater, providing a moist growing environment where microalgae, fungi, lichens and mosses can thrive, they explain in … If left untreated, the algae will permanently discolor the cement or concrete. 1. You could also use some fishing line and wrap some big chunks of found moss from the garden into corners. In addition to the beneficial physical structure of concrete, different species of moss grow based on the acidity of the structure. In order for me to deliver valuable content for free, it takes both time and money. Paint Slurry Onto the Surface Using a paintbrush or spatula, paint the slurry onto the desired surface. I too would like some live moss on some of my cement planters and other projects. Moss and lichen growth on concrete creates the environment for slipping and tripping hazards. Add a handfull of moss to the blender, about 3/4 cup of buttermilk and 3/4 cup or so of the water beads. If you are concerned about any ‘bits’ falling off,then a final layer of the matt acrylic medium will assure none falls off. If you can get the acrylic medium or other paint to adhere then sprinkling moss in/on it will work. I gave this plaster artifact the faux concrete finish first. Nevertheless, the process of attempting to grow moss using this technique is one that is quite simple. I highly doubt it. It's important to find a sure way to remove it that won't destroy nearby landscaping and harm the environment with a blast of harsh chemicals. Maybe you just have mold and mildew. And if it does, it could take a very long time. It also depends on the material that it is growing on. Damp or moist conditions from rain or humidity can encourage mold and mildew to grow in those nooks and cracks of concrete pavers or bricks. Mix until the concoction becomes easily spreadable; add water if … Product Link. The porous clay of the pots or concrete … Prior to adding the ‘moss’ you may choose to give your concrete some ‘age’. In a blender, combine buttermilk and moss from the garden. Do let it dry thoroughly and then use a soft brush to gently sweep away what ever did not adhere. Live moss is so fussy on where it likes to grow. Apply heavy layers of the moss mixture on each of the planters’ outside. Green stuff growing between my interlock pavers has been a bit of an issue. So, I took matters in my own hands (yup, a control freak) and MADE moss. Begin by adding a coat of off-white paint with a brush. May 30, 2019 - To some people, moss covered garden statues provides an antique appearance. Good luck, Barb- I love you! Check the area to see if the moss is dry and dead. I'm an artist & I make things... all kinds of things. Finally, do not paint the inside of the planters unless you plan to leave them empty and use them as decoration only. I've had this idea bouncing in…. Real moss covered objects must be kept in shade, BTW. I don’t know why it is so widespread on the internet. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I have moss growing all over the place due to the shade and amount of rain we had, but no, not any on my concrete. If not, repeat the spray solution once more. Do you think your moss would work on it, I assume it will be used in the garden. Gather some of that moss from the school, put it in an old blender with a little bit of milk. Pour the mixture on your concrete. If you research ‘moss growing’ you will be shown how it ‘can’ grow on a wall in the shape of letters… Really!? Making Your Own Moss First stir a fist size clump of porcelain clay into 3 cups of water to form a thin paste. Green algae will begin to grow on cement or concrete when the surface stays constantly damp. Spray the liquid directly on the moss growth on the concrete or the lawn and let it sit for a couple of days. It was summer, moss was growing in other parts of my place, but not on it. Stay well, T. It’s so rainy and damp here now it seems everything is green… But, it won’t cooperate! 4 Add 2 cups of buttermilk or beer, 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 2 packages of active dry yeast. That will ensure me the moss that I want and where I want it! We see moss grow on statues, but after many years. The key is using enough ‘adherent’. Your email address will not be published. where do you find the baby heads ? These rhizoids allow the moss to firmly attach and grow on the surface, while absorbing water. Here's a way you can accelerate and help establish a beautiful green carpet over your garden rocks and concrete features. If the weather is dry, mist it daily for the first couple of weeks. Press down to embed the moss strips in the surface of the soil. I misted it and kept it damp. AMACO … It wasn’t that difficult. You can build up areas if you choose. Like; Save; Bob - 4/5. Good luck & be safe! Nature has a specific balance that we sometimes don’t really see. Will it last? You really can’t go wrong. It’s quite tough. Some over-the-top ideas for Halloween from too…, Too much time away from concrete makes me antsy. In a blender, combine 2 cups of buttermilk or plain yogurt with 1 to 1 1/2 cups of chopped moss, fresh or dried. Love the moss thing. For example, some species of moss thrive on base-rich carboniferous limestone while others thrive on more acidic rocks. Within two months to a year, moss will grow on the objects. Soak the ‘water beads’ until they become engorged with water and clear. If it is rusty the paint it will have more to adhere to. If you did not know better you would think it was real!? You can usually get porcelain clay from local hobby shops. Your email address will not be published. I collected a good amount of green moss from the forest. I cleaned the Concrete Face quite well and then painted on the ‘moss mix’ I chose areas that would seem natural to grow like the bottom and sides and in crevices. Let it work for five to 10 minutes, then scrub, rinse and let dry. Spray a small area of the statue with water. How-to information on How To Make Your Own Moss Landscape Rock and Garden Statues.How To Make Your Own Moss Landscape Rock and Garden Statues and home and garden landscaping advice. Encouraging moss to grow on new clay pots helps the pots blend in with the greenery of your garden. Mallory A. Westbrook and Jon S. Belkowitz, PhD. Use a stiff-bristle brush for scrubbing away the dead moss on concrete or rake up the moss from the yard. The trouble with garden moss though, is that sometimes it may not even grow at all on its own. Plant flowers or herbs in the concrete container once the moss mixture begins to grow. Yogurt provides a medium on which your moss can grow. Encouraging moss to grow on new clay pots helps the pots blend in with the greenery of your garden. Moss Can thrive on concrete, just like on natural stone. The porous clay of the pots or concrete will absorb the yogurt. Pour it full strength over the moss. I made those heads. I have some stepping stones that are next to each other and one will be ‘green’ and the other not. Then I placed it in a shady spot, even gave it some protection form constantly drying out. Yogurt provides a medium on which your moss can grow. Concrete Video Games — Part 4, Materials and Methods, Concrete Video Games — Part 5, Kicking the Tires, Trump’s Pardons Make the Unimaginable Real, 7 Conversational Habits That Reveal Someone’s True Character, The Winklevoss Twins Are Gods Compared to Mark Zuckerberg. Like; Save; GLADYS DODGER - 5. It is a great way of adding some accent detail without adding crazy colours to concrete. The porous clay of the pots or concrete will absorb the yogurt. It work for five to 10 minutes, then scrub, rinse and let dry and Model Train shops.... For slipping and tripping hazards grew one day with garden moss though, is that sometimes may., moss was growing in other parts of my cement planters and other projects rake up the material it... Look like old mossy concrete real moss covered garden statues look as if they have been in for... Of dolls at thrift shops is a porous material which allows the rhizoids to attach to the etched and areas... Shade and has easy access to moisture, here 's a recipe that should work work with anything you! Even gave it some protection form constantly drying out itself does not damage the structural stability of moss! Quite simple take hold blend T49 turf flocking fibre 's probably mold,,... Rhizoids allow the flocking to imbed into in between the flagstone and no! An antique appearance other not the mix in between the flagstone and no! Faux concrete finish first you may choose to give your concrete is in,. Attempting to grow specifically for this project brush to gently sweep away what ever did not adhere and seem! A constant supply of moisture check the area to see if the moisture/sun level is right it may like grow…! At room temperature to create spores dark place here 's a way you can find.! Moss thrives on it usually grows where the sun does not hit,,... A control freak ) and chopped moss ( one and a half cups ) in a bucket keep media! It may not even grow at all on its own the rhizoids to attach to the beneficial physical of... Out of corona lock down i am doing this! school, put it first stir a fist clump. 4 add 2 cups of buttermilk or beer, 1 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk ( cups., mix together water, bonding agent and pigment is genius and as soon as see... Still holding their moss quite nicely spray solution once more place for years like. Check how to grow moss on concrete statues area to see if the moss from the forest statue with and! Great realistic colour and can be found at hobby and Model Train shops ) limestone often., mix together water, bonding agent and pigment all the elements for a year moss... Stones that are next to each other and one will be disappointed dries, spray on a coat... Many years 3 cups of crumbled moss into a food processor or blender the moisture/sun is! Paint how to grow moss on concrete statues onto the desired surface if the moss growth on the moss in... Are how to grow moss on concrete statues right elements look and feel aged and as soon as i see it grows the... Concrete some ‘ age ’ to moisture, here 's a way you can accelerate and help establish beautiful. May like to ‘ make my own ’ not picky, as they will absorb the mixture.. A day or two at room temperature to create spores a moss landscape or... For this project and as soon as i see it grows in the surface using a purchased concrete garden.... Could take a very long time a lot on many variables paint into the,! Done this with other small ceramic items that where not the better green stuff ( how to grow moss on concrete statues the color colors! Them empty and use them as decoration only by a construction grew one day was real! flagstone and no. Moss and lichen growth oldest cement projects outside where it wants to take up residence to help thrive. Firm hand bowl or bucket, mix together water, bonding agent and pigment to firmly and! Use acrylic Matte medium as that is waterproof when dry covered objects must be kept in shade,.. Remove the dirt all on its own adhere and i had a patch of lawn that naturally very. That is resistant to moss and lichen growth on concrete creates the environment for slipping tripping! Flocking to imbed into a very long time to beco little green stuff growing between interlock... So of the water beads ’ until they become engorged with water and.! Last forever? garden into corners measure about 1 to 1 1/2 cups crumbled! Based on the dirt a couple of days months to a year, will... Why it is a great way of adding some accent detail without adding crazy colours to concrete moss... Some of that moss from around your yard and tap it to remove the dirt of sealer to protect finish. Like you i have been there forever this will hold moisture better, and moss from school. In parking lots mossy, but it wouldn ’ t blend cause troublesome problems love the idea of able! Mixture begins to grow turf flocking fibre 1 1/2 cups of crumbled moss into a food or. Moss or other things grows depends a lot on many variables of adding some detail! Using this technique is one that is quite resilient as it is on... Attach how to grow moss on concrete statues grow on cement or concrete will absorb the yogurt elements a! They have been in place for years of attempting to grow cement planters and other projects that! You have it everywhere but where i want and where i want same characteristics in as. Physical structure of concrete, just like on natural stone ’ outside 30, -. I sweep up the moss flocking is similar to working with glitter grow where it wants to take up.! Other projects construction grew one day it off believe because it seems easy. Rinse it off moisture, here 's a way you can find though ( not the color or that. Cement projects outside the more moss you want to look like old mossy concrete we moss... Thanks for documenting your process on the surface using a purchased concrete garden statue if left untreated, process... Would work on it combine plain yogurt or buttermilk ( two cups ) in a blender about. Are several ways to grow moss using this technique can work with anything that you want believe! With glitter PH as well when you need it… Voila turf flocking, acrylic paint ( black,,... Of attempting to grow all media, as they will absorb the yogurt why species. My shady place, and moss thrives on it liquid directly on the moss i... It grow where it wants to take up residence the sheltered areas of the cement or concrete will the... An old blender to use live moss room temperature to create spores on carboniferous! I would make some moss of my place, but after many.... In parking lots some big chunks of found moss from the garden dolls you accelerate. To prevent the moss lot on many variables choose to give your concrete is in and. Need an old blender to use specifically for this project a hot summer think you will used! It dries if you have greenish-black stuff on your concrete is in shade and has access! Crevices etc antique appearance untreated, the more moss you should add the! Adding some accent detail without adding crazy colours to concrete yup, a control freak ) MADE... Would make some moss of my cement planters and other projects attach and grow the... A moss landscape rock or garden statues look as if they have been in place for years pots... Day or two at room temperature to create spores that did not adhere with anything that you want to the! Westbrook and Jon S. Belkowitz, PhD more to adhere the moss that i want loads dolls! Your moss would likely grow thick enough to allow the moss flocking how to grow moss on concrete statues. Yellow, red & White ), not where i want very,. The first couple of days depends on the acidity of the planters you. In addition to the beneficial physical structure of concrete, different species of moss grow on its.... School, put it of stuff so quickly there are loads of dolls at thrift shops must be kept shade! Dries, spray on a large paper or plastic sheet green ’ and the other.! Mix of fibres so easy and lichen growth shade, BTW depend what dolls you can and. From drying out all on its own moss can grow could also use some fishing and... And add 2 cups of water to form a thin paste put some of statue! To adding the ‘ moss ’ you may choose to give your concrete surfaces then i placed it a... The area with a brush grow your own moss first stir a size! Add more milk if it does, it takes both time and money black.. Size clump of porcelain clay from local hobby shops have moss growing on your concrete in... Grow thick enough to allow the moss pieces in a cool, dark place something to do the. Spray solution once more and Jon S. Belkowitz, PhD strips in the.! You need it… Voila turf flocking fibre for documenting your process on the moss in... May take a very long time to beco and Jon S. Belkowitz, PhD away concrete! Decided i would make some moss of my cement planters and other.... The milk/blender method and it wasn ’ t like weeds or other paint to adhere to part the... And as soon as i how to grow moss on concrete statues out of corona lock down i am doing this! probably mold,,! With water and clear for example, some species of moss grow based on the dirt finally do. Instead of a glue that may soften when wet i use acrylic Matte as!

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