skip to main content

peat moss question

21 years ago

As a newbie, I have a lot of questions. First of all, what is the difference between peat moss and sphagnum? I bought a bale of peat moss to use for my hypertufa troughs, and the label includes the words "Canadian Sphagnum). However, the big letters on the bale clearly say "Peat Moss).

Another question. I know what the cement does, it holds everything together. But what is the function of the peat moss? If it deteriorates over time, could one make a Hypertufa trough out of just cement and perlite?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

butterflybush
21 years ago
Probably should have posted this question over in discussions to get more notice. But peat moss added to the recipe is to create the look of real "TUFA", which has lots of holes and looks old. The peat will rot away with time, giving the piece that old "real tufa" look. "Hypertufa" was a recipe created to emulate the original tufa stone. Yes, one could make troughs with perlite and cement, however, I, personally, would add some course sand for strength. But that recipe would not be emulating the original "tufa". Which is okay, if that is what you want. Hope that helps answer your question.
Related Professionals
Charlottesville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jamestown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hagerstown Landscape Contractors · Chillicothe Landscape Contractors · Amherst Landscape Contractors · Fargo Landscape Contractors · Grand Island Landscape Contractors · Harrisburg Landscape Contractors · Billings Landscape Contractors · Lagrange Landscape Contractors · Vincennes Tile and Stone Contractors · Toledo Tile and Stone Contractors · Sierra Vista Tile and Stone Contractors · Tucson Tile and Stone Contractors · Twin Falls Tile and Stone Contractors

Related Stories

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Evoke Mystery and History With Moss in the Garden

Go ahead, lie about age. Moss on garden statues, planters and pavers creates the beautifully deceptive look of time’s passing

HOUSEPLANTS Baby Tears Mimics Moss for a Green Accent Indoors

By creative jewish mom.com

This adaptable spreader thrives in water or soil, making it a terrific addition to containers and living walls

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Moss: Nature’s Carpet for the Garden

Learn how to grow and use this ancient and mysterious natural wonder for delightful texture in the landscape

GREEN BUILDING World of Design: The Joy of Moss and Its Modern Uses

By Annie Thornton

This great design plant is 400 million years in the making. See how it’s inspiring art, soothing spaces and building design

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Stately Southern Charm in a Federalist-Style Home

Moss-covered oak trees, European antiques and contemporary style set off this Louisiana home

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants

DINING ROOMS Design Dilemma: My Dining Room Needs Revamping!

By Becky Harris

Watch a dining-room makeover unfold in the Houzz Questions forum

HOUSEPLANTS DIY Project: How to Make a ‘Kokedama’ String Garden

By Shaunna Nygren

Dig in to create a simple, beautiful Japanese-inspired hanging garden

HOUSEPLANTS Orchids 101: Try Something Different With Dendrobiums

By Marianne Lipanovich

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, these orchids may be a good choice

Sponsored