Yes. OK. I would think you could find some plant that fills the bill, but fake is OK as long as it looks good.

btw, Irish moss is not a moss at all and as long as it receives adequate water, loves full sun and plenty of heat. But like the creeping or elfin thyme, it does flower, although not heavily. Other GC's you could consider that will provide a moss-like appearance with few if any flowers but also tolerant of sun and heat are Raoulia australis (scabwort) or Scleranthus biflorus (Australian "astroturf").

Yes, I will leave maybe 6” around the trunk bare.

I think one could have fun working with some of the better quality fake turf.

I had no idea such a thing existed. I'd like to see a picture when you finish.

Almost done! still waiting for my fake moss roll to arrive. You can see the scotch pine on a mound that I plan to cover with it to the right. It was challenging doing this whole zen rock garden on a slope with the far right side much lower than the left. I couldn’t bring in new dirt to level it out as there is a water meter and electric in ground box in the way, grrr! Still trying to figure out the drainage on that side before I complete this thing But I’m happy with the results so far.

It looks wonderful! And coming to terms with the water meter, etc... well, I guess the Zen in that is finding acceptance? ;)

Looks good, thank you for sharing.

very close to finishing. I wish they came in a bigger roll. had to make do with 3 ft and cut it to pieces to fit but not too bad. Just need one more roll to finish the look.

It looks very nice and not "fake" at all.

You are a garden success story; please keep updated.

You have a good eye subersibo. Well done. I love the baby rock.

Me too, love the baby rock!

Thanks, guys! That baby rock is just there so I wouldn’t forget where the cover for that sewer thing is lol!

I’m planning to stack a few smaller rocks on top of it.