When I first started to build Hummingbird House I had no real plan for the end result, everything just seemed to develop along the way. One of the decisions I had to make was what kind of ground covering I would use. I considered using gravel or bark for their durability as a walking surface but they just seemed too un-natural for the setting. Moss had taken over a large portion on one of my lawns, and since it was never fazed by foot traffic I decided to move it from the front lawn to the floor of Hummingbird House. My plan had one major flaw though... I assumed that since the moss was easily choking out my lawn, surely the grass wouldn't stand a chance when I was cultivating the moss! (That makes sense, doesn't it?) WRONG! The grass won! Go figure! There was no way I was going to fight grass in there, so this past Fall I went to work replacing all the old lawn-moss with stepping stones and decorative mosses.
Over the winter, the moss has taken hold and is beginning to growing well! Altogether, I laid 206 square feet of moss in the pathways and borders. I've identified at least 29 different mosses and lichens which now grow and thrive inside Hummingbird House, but I'm sure there will be more.
There are twelve different species of plant life growing on this burl alone. Many of the stones also have colonies of mosses growing on them.
There are a dozen species of ferns, several Primulas and Columbines, hardy Fuschias and assorted flowering vines growing with the mosses in Hummingbird House.
I can hardly wait for SPRING!!!!
[ July 08, 2011, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: Bill ]
Plants: 175 | From: Cedar Hill, WA | Registered: Feb 2004
| Seeded: 4.242.120.167
Cricket
guest
posted
Hummingbird House is lovely, Bill! That burl is AWESOME! You know you're living in a healthy environment when lichens flourish.
Seeded: 24.64.223.203
Jiffymouse
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posted
and when did you say you were going to come build my hummingbird house?
Seeded: 12.77.200.79
loz
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posted
Hey Jiffy , I know when Bill is coming to build your hummingbird house--right after he comes and does mine.....
Great job Bill --I love watching how your projects evolve from ideas, into tangible things......I'd be out there having my cup of coffee every morning.......
Seeded: 4.248.225.188
posted
GREAT JOB BILL ATTA BOY TO YOU.very nice place you have there ive read all your articles in here.you live truly in gods country.you,ve got a beutfull place there.i think you inspire a lot of folks in here.i know you do me.thanks for shareing your place with us.your friend in gardening.mike57
* * * * No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent. Plants: 722 | From: alabama | Registered: Nov 2004
| Seeded: 216.170.146.95
posted
The moss looks amazing! And that burl is coming in really good. It looks magical.
* * * * The answers will come when needed. Otherwise, I'm guesing time will make me feel silly. Plants: 387 | From: canada | Registered: Feb 2004
| Seeded: 207.176.161.42
posted
When I lived on the Olympic Peninsula I had a very small solarium without screens. One day I heard a noise out there. And there was a brown hummingbird trying to get out. I was so afraid that he would injure himself I didn't know quite what to do. He fell behind a pot of chives and I placed a finger out for him to perch on like I used to with our parakeet when I was a child. I didn't hold out much hope, but he took hold and rested there until I could get him to the open window. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.72.1
I love reading and rereading all the episodes but I was thinking before the new server was taking up such a huge amount of Unc Bill's time I heard a rumor there was going to be an episode 19?
Please, I want some more!
* * * *
GO DAWGS! Plants: 3479 | From: The Idaho Boonies | Registered: Apr 2005
| Seeded: 216.170.153.139
I love reading and rereading all the episodes but I was thinking before the new server was taking up such a huge amount of Unc Bill's time I heard a rumor there was going to be an episode 19?
Please, I want some more!
What happened to Wild Willy, anyway?
...and the episode 19 rumor?
* * * * Buckle up! It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car! Plants: 43285 | Registered: Mar 2004
| Seeded: 69.170.162.6
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![[thumb]](graemlins/thumb.gif)
and when did you say you were going to come build my hummingbird house? ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[kissies]](graemlins/kissies.gif)
![[wayey]](graemlins/wavey.gif)
, I know when Bill is coming to build your hummingbird house--right after he comes and does mine..... ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[clappy]](graemlins/clappy.gif)
--I love watching how your projects evolve from ideas, into tangible things......I'd be out there having my cup of coffee every morning....... ![[grin]](graemlins/grinnnn.gif)
![[lala]](graemlins/lala.gif)
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ONLY ELEVEN DAYS TILL SPRING! 
![[muggs]](graemlins/mugggggs.gif)
GO DAWGS! 
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duckie
Printer-friendly view of this garden