Question
Hi James!
I live in Los Angeles, and am finding that the soil in my flower beds get a sort of mossy grass-like coverage in them (almost has a dichondra feel, but finer).  Is there anything bad about this, and is it going to spead and kill the plants and adjacent lawn?  Should I just scrap it up and keep turning the soil, or just leave it alone?  (It's actually nice looking in some spots).
Thanks for your time.
Stan

Answer
Hi Stan,  Moss usually grows where the soil is moist, somewhat shaded, compacted and slightly acidic.  It's often blamed for killing grass, when in fact the grass is dying from the shade and compacted soil and the moss is encroaching.
I like moss, it's not going to harm your plants and lawn and I've seen some beautiful moss gardens. If you decide you don't want it, just break up the soil surface and lime the area and it shouldn't return unless the soil packs again. I'd keep it!  Jim