The Art of Moss Decoration in Bonsai Display
Volume #29 - A Note From Ogawa Sensei on Decorative Moss in Bonsai
When displaying bonsai at exhibitions or tea ceremonies, moss is often used to cover the soil, acting as a decorative "makeup." The most commonly used type is likely Silver Moss (ギンゴケ - Bryum argenteum).
Silver Moss is a resilient moss distributed worldwide, and it's probably the most familiar moss we encounter. In Japan, it thrives across Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. You can find it growing robustly in sunny soil, on stone walls, and even in the cracks of asphalt and stone embankments along roadsides.
At the bonsai garden where I used to work, we would collect Silver Moss that grew wild along roadsides. We would then apply it to the bonsai just in time for exhibitions or rentals. The process involves carefully removing as much soil as possible from the back of the moss to thin it out, then arranging these pieces on the bonsai's soil. It was said that even the way this moss was arranged could subtly change the entire atmosphere of the bonsai.
Collected moss also has its own unique characteristics; some pieces are intensely green, others have a reddish tint, and some are closer to a brownish hue. If you simply arrange them without thought, it can create a patchwork-like pattern, disrupting the seasonal harmony. Therefore, it was essential to apply the moss in a way that matched the season.
For example, in spring, we might place frost-bitten moss at the base, gradually transitioning to richer green moss towards the outer edges. In winter, we would avoid using overly vibrant green moss, instead creating a gradient from the base outwards. I was taught that the most crucial aspect was to ensure the color gradually changed from the base (root) to the tips of the leaves (outwards).
Initially, I simply followed instructions without fully understanding the deeper meaning. However, I distinctly remember feeling a sense of natural harmony when our bonsai were displayed alongside others at exhibitions.
In today's world, with the internet and AI, answers can often be found instantly. Yet, perhaps by pursuing a dedication to something with a long-term perspective, unexpected and beautiful results can emerge.
Until next time !
ReBonsai Yusuke Ogawa
More of Ogawa Sensei Content here :
Vol#26 Respecting the Tree’s Individuality
Vol#27 How to Grow Maple Bonsai
.
Hi can i buy moss?