Question
Terrific - thanks for the added input. The moss won't be a safety factor, as it's barely pencil-line width.  The pavers are octagonal and very compact.  Just gives a nice look.  I'll look into it.  Also, thanks for the organic tips.  I agree - no chemicals.  Speaking of which, I am using Miracle Grow (which probably makes me a hypocrite?)  Any ideas on what else to use?  Grownd egg shells - or something along that line?  I liked your vinegar idea for weed killer.  I'll definitely use that.

Thanks so much for your advice.

Tori
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Followup To

Question -
So, it sounds like trying to grow moss isn't a great idea?  It's already started in the shady areas, and I'm loving every spec of greenery.  Any chance I can get it to grow in the sun as well?

Ok, ok, I'll try on the clematis again.  I'll get the soil tested and take it from there.  Could it be soil related as it only turned dark 3 weeks to a month ago.  Other than that, it is (or was) as green as can be!





Answer -
Scarlett... I mean, Tori.... seize the day! Can you test that Clematis soil? No reason for your Clematis to be sad. There is something very specific down there and you can fix this problem. Get your soil over to the Coop Ext asap! Carpet diem!

I know what the pavers are like -- I have a VERY long Bluestone Driveway that is a neverending battle w/ the weeds and I need this extra work like a hole in the head.

"Paint" those cracks with vinegar or table salt to make it permanently inhabitable to all green life.

Especially near your pool you don't want to put anything remotely poisonous over there. Smart of you to think of that.

There are actually professional services that come to your house every 3-5 years and apply a seal between the cracks of pavers and stones.

It is my understanding that the benign-sounding sealants that are used are actually poisonous, must be applied with a person using a mask, need to be used on superclean surfaces only and are illegal in New York City and certain other municipalities - and I mention this because a well-intending neighbor or friend of yours may bring it up.

I am not aware of any specific NONtoxic chemical but then I am not that kind of expert.  There are some on the AllExperts board who may actually know of one.

But if you want to stop weeds and grass from growing between the pavers, vinegar or salt will do the trick - boiling water is a pain in the neck but it would work too, it just has to be done constantly so forget about that.  Powerwashes make this easier when they heat the area.  And the easiest of all is butane garden torches that sear the surface between the pavers and zap everything under the flame.  Since you have a pool, I personally think this would be the best solution.  It is quite fun, actually.

But get your tested.  Or bring your Clematis over to my house and I will get it on the road to recovery.

Just kidding.

By the way, I hear Maine is lovely this time of year...



Answer -
The moss, which is slippery when wet, would probably not be a good idea even if you could get it to grow next to the chlorinated pool at high noon sun.

Speaking of sun, check out this Nevada Las Vegas Sun newspaper article on moss in Nevada: www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-other/2006/feb/27/566636600.html.

In addition, someone has posted the Time Life Encyclopedia section on Moss on the internet (www.members.tripod.com/~NPK1/moss7.html).  Among other things, they note:  "Most do best in open shade, where there is some sun in the morning and late afternoon, but a few kinds tolerate deep shade."  This same website lists links to Moss and Lichen websites and includes a recipe for making Moss for painting it onto furniture or pots or (if you can't stop yourself) poolside, wherever you have in mind.

Moss is beautiful.  But I don't think you really want to grow it in tandem with a swimming pool.  Everywhere else, Si!

Answer
Miracle Gro - It could be worse, don't fret too much about it. You do not want to "fertilize" the moss by the way. This stuff thrives in poor soil. The sun is your biggest roadblock. Who knows, maybe it will all fall into place - the green pencil look would be real nice.  Good luck - please let me know how it goes!