The Moss Lady

           When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  And when life gives you moss, make a moss garden. That’s what Norie Burnet did 20 years ago when her heavily shaded property refused to grow grass.  Today her beautiful garden has appeared in numerous books and national publications, and Norie has become known as The Moss Lady. In fact she is extremely knowledgeable about moss and often presents programs.   Garden tours are frequently requested by gardeners, horticulturalists and bryologists (moss experts).

            There are 14 types of moss and many other shade plants that grow in Norie’s garden.  While the space is beautifully serene, the maintenance is not.  Fallen leaves kill the moss and raking is not an option, so Norie uses a blower to keep walkways free of leaves.  It just so happens that blowing leaves also means blowing reproductive spores produced by the moss, so the regularly cleared moss thrives and spreads.  The garden is so enchanting, I wouldn't be at all surprised to look up and spot a hobbit, or sprite or fairy.