Moss Art

The temperature today is 18 degrees, it's snowing, and the east wind is blowing....

That may sound like Purgatory to you and I'm inclined to agree, except that this climate means I can sit at the computer and catch up on some photo editing and writing. Looking out the window at the blowing snow as I write this, gives one time to reflect as well, a necessary ingredient for planning fair weather explorations in the coming months.

Meanwhile, as this is the "off-season" so to speak, here's a half-price post for your viewing pleasure and for me to keep my old brain engaged...

If you spend any time in the Pacific Northwest, at some point during your visit you will realize that no matter where you go, you can count on three things: espresso, craft beer, and moss. Those of us who live here eventually become blind to the moss in the forest, as it just fades into the background like your boss's long speeches. On the other hand, some people spend a fortune trying to get rid of moss in their lawns and on their roofs.

Nevertheless, moss can have a subtle yet special beauty of its own. This winter in particular, it seems like the moss is working overtime: there seems to be more of it and it appears more colorful and lush. I'm guessing that is due to our very dry winter with lots of sun and ample fog to allow for growth. That, coupled with the fact that there are just a handful of wildflowers blooming in winter, inspires me to do this post, basically on the subtle photographic qualities of moss.

Much has been written about moss in general, so I won't repeat any of that here. That said, here are just a few interesting facts about moss:

• Moss is one of the oldest plants on the planet.
• There are about 12,000 species of moss in the plant division Bryophyta.
• Moss is non-vascular, meaning it has to absorb moisture directly from precipitation.
• It does not have roots, flowers, or seeds.
• In summer, moss can reduce its metabolism drastically to survive in the dry weather.
• Spanish moss is not really moss. It's a lichen.

Ok, on to the photos. These were all taken at Rood Bridge Park in January 2014. 

For my complete gallery of my spellbinding moss pictures, visit: Clark's Moss Gallery on Zenfolio.