Moss Bowls 101

Every year, March pulls the rug out from underneath me.  After decades of living here, the third month of the year is still a tease in Ontario.  Just when I dare to put my pasty feet into sandals, it hails "unexpectedly."  Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humour.  So while we wait for Spring to peek her petals out, I like to bring some green indoors.  It gives just the lift to my home to get me through these blah shoulder months and take the edge off all the dead, brown grass outside.

A great way to bring a little life into your space is to add a bowl of moss in unexpected places for a long lasting, simple touch of green.  Dried moss is affordable, but still textural and organic.  You can buy a large bag at Michael's for about $10.  In the category of cheap and cheerful (think tulips and hydrangea, which have a vase life of about 5-7 days) this dried bag of natural green packs a punch in all kinds of home decor, and the bouns is it lasts forever.

Try it in a bowl, a tray or even at the base of a house plant to elevate the freshness.  If your vessel is deep, add tissue paper to fill, then cover entirely with the moss so you see a bit peeking out the top.  These little pots of gold are not just for the living room and kitchen.  Greenery at the front door, next to your bed, or even in your bathroom can help lift your mood.

I prefer the bag of moss that you can rip off chunks and arrange yourself, over those perfect balls of moss.  When you're able to recreate what you see naturally, it brings a soothing sense to your eye that just feels right.  So keep it a bit messy and organic.  It doesn't have to be perfect.

As we move into April and you're able to cut fresh branches to display in your home, and you're surrounded by new leaves and vibrant grass outside, pop your moss in a Ziplock and save it for next year.  You know Mother Nature is going to give you a wedgie again next March…I'll try to be ready for her next year, though.

~ Liz