Question
Thank you

I like your moss idea - I could do that around the black walking stones.  In the area infront of the cement slab - there are lots of roots so this area I am thinking to cover in gravel - do you know anyone here in MN or ideas (i have seen in Japanese books stone arrangements with raking gravel and plants) - how could I get help with this part of the garden?

Thanks
Theresa




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Followup To
Question -
I already have about a patio slab of cement of about 10x10 in front of patio door w/ muttins.  I have about 3' to the left and in front of cement slab I have about 5'x12'  then a side walk and other side of side walk about 3x2 area which will be the new gated entrance.  There is a fense surrounding this area.  I am thinking of putting in the area around cement slab grey gravel (right now there is grass that does not grow well and tree roots interfering also).  Living in MN - I am not sure what I should do with the gravel area (rocks? planters w/ green plant or flowers?, laterns) please note somethings I travel quit a bit in the summer and those summers I would need a low maintence garden.  Neighbor has a beutiful hisbisit (spelling)plant that blooms - so I am thinking by edge of cement slab by patio door enterance to place a plant there - what do you think of a moss green color with a rust trim for pot?  (my indoor walls will be painted a moss green and will have rust accent along with light yellow colors) so I thought this would be good to pull out to the patio too?  I also want a glider with cusions & pillow for reading & relaxing... and sometype of endtable.  For walking stones (from gate area going over to sidewalk - should this be dark grey or black? please note I have a black weber cooker.  I have ideas but now sure how to put it together...

Thanks,
Theresa
Answer -
At the new entrance you could either use gravel or moss.
A stone lantern could look nice too.
Moss would require low maintennance, all you'll need is the water sprinkler working.
It would also match with the colors of your wall.
Black stones would look very nice as walking stones.

Good luck with your project!

Carlo

Answer
Hi there!

If those roots are thick enough, you could probably plant more moss around them.
That would create the feeling of what the Japanese call "Sabi" or "Mellow with age" which is the patina of age that can make a particular spot something very interesting to look at. Otherwise you could , as you say, cover that area with gravel. Unfortunately I don't know anybody in your area that could help you with this.Maybe if you sent me some pictures, I could help you a little bit.

Keep in touch!

Carlo