mossacres.com says slurries have only " minimal to moderate rates of success." Are they just trying to sell lots of square feet of their stuff, or does that seem like a fair characterization? I don't expect a 100% success rate (of anything!), but I don't like to put a lot of effort into things that will then a demand a lot of ongoing high-maintenance follow-up and, even then, have a low success rate. Some other considerations:

-The space I'm considering doing this is a small irregular bluestone path set in mulch in a perennial garden. I consider the area "mostly shady" during the growing season -- getting a little light in one part in the morning and a little in the afternoon in another, but almost none strong or direct. Basically it's dappled shade provided by two large deciduous trees. Of course that does make for a fair amount of light in winter. This is on the east side of a 5-story brownstone in the city. Three-foot-high solid walls surround it all.

-I'm hoping to grow moss *around* but not *on* the rocks. Is this realistic with this kind of rock? (If this setting is even appropriate for moss in the first place). I don't want to slip! Looking for something that looks a little like this: http://www.mossacres.com/photo_view.asp?id=31

-How do we feel about purchasing moss rather than foraging and slurrying? Basically 5sf would run $50 w/ shipping. Seems like a lot. I'm guessing that'd be enough but am not really sure.

-Does the following recipe seem okay? The first two elements are by "part" and the second two by measured volume, so I'm not sure what to make of it.

Thanks!

Fred

In a blender simply mix the following components:

- 1 part moss

- 1.5 parts water (not too cold)

- 1-2 spoonfuls of gel powder

- ¼ cup of buttermilk or beer, or 2 spoonfuls of Liquid Sulfur or Aluminum Sulfate

Set the blender to "pulse" and/or continue to turn the power off and on to sufficiently "chop" up the moss into small fragments and blend the mixture (with the blender in the off position you may need to use your hand to re-orient the mixture in the blender and then start it again to mix it properly. Within 2-5 minutes the gel will set, and a thick, applesauce-like gel will be formed. If the mixture is too runny, just add more powder and mix again.