Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2004
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/flowers.html

New Zealand Angel Moss
April 2004
Karen Hull, Johnson's East Greenhouse Manager

    Container gardening is becoming so popular, with good reason! It is
one of the easiest ways to garden. Everyone has room for pots on the
porch or hanging baskets full of blooms.

    Now we have something new to help with your container planters--Angel
Moss Liners from New Zealand. These liners are made from golden sphagnum
moss and come in a pre-formed version you can use in baskets you already
have at home, or a completely lined ready-to-plant wire hanging basket.

    To plant your Angel Moss Liner, fill it about half to two-thirds
full with a good potting soil. We recommend ferti-lome Ultimate Potting
Mix. Select your plants, keeping in mind that the plants need to be
compatible (same water and light requirements). Start placing the plants
in the basket and tuck in more soil around the plants as you go. When
you are finished, there should be  at least a two-inch gap between the
top of the soil and the top of the basket. This allows you to water the
plants without soil washing over the sides.

    For a basket that looks full and "mature" at the start, we recommend
planting the sides of your basket, too. Simply poke a hole in the side
of the moss liner and insert the flower's rootball into the planter.
This little trick will help you create a spectacular, colorful hanging
basket!

    Once everything is planted, water the basket thoroughly making sure
the top and sides are soaked. Then just water your plants as needed. The
Angel Moss Liner requires half the watering of other liners making it a
real time saver. How does this work? This golden sphagnum moss acts like
a sponge absorbing the water. Once soaked, it expands to hold up to 20
times its own weight in water!

    Golden sphagnum moss is environmentally friendly and is harvested
under strict New Zealand Conservation guidelines. Studies show that
golden sphagnum moss regenerates on average every two to five years.

    Come in to see this new Oscar-winning golden sphagnum moss from New
Zealand! The Hobbits of Johnson's Greenhouse will have some beautiful
examples made up for you. Or if you are a do-it-yourselfer, we'll help
you select plants for your Angel Moss planter.