Ever since my freshman year of high school, I learned at least one new fact about moss every two weeks (or every week if I am truly lucky). Jolie Briseno, the moss girl, loves to talk about moss, study moss, and grow moss. She is truly a moss master. Not a day goes by where she does not think about the green fuzzy substance. I have always been extremely fascinated about her obsession with moss and decided to sit down and interview her.
What sparked your interest in moss?
I’ve always had a fascination for moss but in quarantine it especially spiked. I would go on walks and would notice the cracks of moss in the pavement. From then, I would collect the moss and research it to try and find out what type it was. I also then began to look for moss in my own backyard. Now, I grow my own moss.
Do you have a favorite type of moss, and why?
Star moss because it shoots up and looks like a star!
How do you care for or cultivate moss in your environment?
If you’re taking moss from outside, you must be very gentle and wash it carefully–ideally, with distilled water. If you aren’t cultivating it, you can buy sphagnum moss from your local Michael’s and put it in a ternaim with a proper light source.
Have you ever created a moss garden or terrarium?
Yes! I have 5 (previously 7).
What are the most interesting facts you’ve learned about moss?
You can grow your own moss (if you really want to) by blending buttermilk and a little bit of moss to make a smoothie and spreading it over a dirt patch.
How does moss differ from other types of plants or greenery in terms of growth and maintenance?
House plants don’t need an enclosed space as much as moss. House plants can just live in sunlight while moss would just shrivel and dry up.
Can you tell me about any places you’ve visited where the moss was particularly beautiful or unique?
Wildwood park in Saratoga! There’s moss growing in between the bricks and it’s vivid green. Also, the park is overall extremely beautiful in general.
What do you find most calming or inspiring about moss?
When I am struggling with schoolwork, I look at the ducks in my moss terrariums because I know they understand and see my struggle. I immediately feel calm knowing that my ducks see me at my best and worst times but always stick by my side through thick and thin. I also love to take care of my moss by trimming and watering it because it really calms my mind
How has moss affected your life?
Moss has affected my life because I have made new friendships and have shared new ideas with people. Taylor Cusick and I adventure to parks together in search of new moss and make great memories.
What is one thing you would say to moss haters?
If you hate moss, I hate you.
Do you plan on containing you moss loving endeavors on the future? if so how?
I’m planning to purchase a fish tank and use strong turtles and a string of hearts to make a whole cabinet of moss. I plan to use star moss, fern moss, sphagnum moss, and other house plants such rex begonias to fill the beautiful fish tank and perhaps keep a snail or geckos.
Any last words?
Moss is the best thing in the world. It’s really good for the environment.