Vale of Fairway

[bazzer42]

The time I tried yogurt I had two westies licking my railway! I've also read that sheep muck is good, plenty here with free roaming sheep but not sure about the aroma.

[bazzer42]

If you are feeling bored try looking for the Nocton Estates Railway. A lovely set of photos of a farm railway in Lincolnshire in the 50s. A cracking shot of Glebe Farm, no rolling stock but a building that cries out build me, and I might! The picture is copyright so didn't like to post here unless Tom thinks it's safe.

[FWLR]

Very nice layout of what i’ve seen Derek, love your bridge.

We have those plants too, but in an orange colour, well i think they are the same, they do get everywhere though,Anne has pulled loads out of our garden in her re-planting of our layout.

I bought some track recently and it already had moss on it, but not used it yet, it may get put on to-day if the weather holds out.

[ge_rik]

In my experience, I've found that moss abhors sunlight. I have no problem growing moss on most of my railway but I suspect it's because the part where moss abounds is constantly in the shade from the house. The one section of the line which is gets the benefit of the sun has hardly any moss at all. It might also be that the shaded part also tends to remain moist whereas the sunny section often gets parched.

Rik

[philipy]

I think its mosture that is the key to moss growth. Our bungalow faces southwest-northeast and both roof pitches are coverd in moss, but it is thicker and greener on the northeast side. The 'lawns' are full of moss to the point that it isn't easy to actually find grass even in the areas that get full sun all day, but we have solid clay 'soil' which does hold misture ( until it dries out and cracks down to Oz).

[LNR]

Philip said

until it dries out and cracks down to Oz).

Give us a yell mate! maybe we can have a yarn.
Grant.
PS and there's me blaming the ants for the soil I'm losing. Now I know where it's going!!

[bazzer42]

Just dissolving a bucket of sheep poo, hope it doesn't drip through to Oz Grant!

Reckon you live next door to us Philip, our NE facing bungalow grows moss at a rate to the extent the gulley can choke in a violent rain which then overflows into the living room via the attic.

The strip I'm trying is fairly shady but less so since the fuschias were stripped out.

[Big Jim]

"Dissolving a bucket of sheep poo"

There is an image that will keep me chortling this afternoon....

[philipy]

our NE facing bungalow grows moss at a rate to the extent the gulley can choke in a violent rain which then overflows into the living room via the attic.

Yep, I have that problem as well (not the internal leak though, I'm glad to say!). Must clear it out again before winter really sets in.

[bazzer42]

"Dissolving a bucket of sheep poo"

There is an image that will keep me chortling this afternoon....

I have a special stick to stir it...it begins with S and ends with Y. My stirry stick

[LNR]

Stir gently now, no splashes!!!
I have a special stick for my seaweed and sheep mix too, to be kept very separate from anything else.
Grant.
PS I shall be rather mindfull of any cracks appearing this summer too.

[FWLR]

I think its mosture that is the key to moss growth. Our bungalow faces southwest-northeast and both roof pitches are coverd in moss, but it is thicker and greener on the northeast side. The 'lawns' are full of moss to the point that it isn't easy to actually find grass even in the areas that get full sun all day, but we have solid clay 'soil' which does hold misture ( until it dries out and cracks down to Oz).

Has Phillip said, our Bungalow also faces NorthEast and SouthWest and the roof on the East side is covered with the stuff, so much so, it falls on to the roof of my car when the birds go and look for insects.
Also the lawn is the same, the side by next doors garage facing East has moss on it and we have thick clay also, with all this blooming rain it is so squishy, the moss loves it.

[Lonsdaler]

I've tried moss transplantation too, using yoghurt amongst other products, and the biggest problem has always been birds tearing up any loose moss when scavenging for insects. Moss that has managed to 'seed' naturally seems to be more resistant to this avian assault!

[bazzer42]

Have to agree with you Phil on the birds, tear it up a treat in the spring. The moss I'm trying was kicked up from the shady pavement behind us. Seeing how easy it came up I think it will be great for nest lining, assuming some of it takes to the block faces.

[FWLR]

"Dissolving a bucket of sheep poo"

There is an image that will keep me chortling this afternoon....

I have a special stick to stir it...it begins with S and ends with Y. My stirry stick

[Peter Butler]

Having put away my accessories (buildings etc) for the winter months I have had a closer inspection of the way my line has developed naturally. Regular attention to plants and weeds concentrates the mind but close-up the moss growth has established itself without intervention. It happens so gradually it isn't noticeable.
I must say it adds to the overall appearance of the railway but it shows just how constantly wet and sheltered from strong sunlight it is...

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[bazzer42]

If you are trying to make me jealous, you have succeeded! Your railway always takes a nice picture but some of those shots are crackers. Do you think the she helps the moss by giving a firm base? If the sheep poo experiment works on bare block I may be so tempted to lift my loose ballast and go go moss.

Are you and Big Jim going to Exeter?

[Peter Butler]

I don't add any 'poo' or otherwise to my railway, all growth is natural but always damp and sheltered. If you want moss, move to Wales!!!
I believe Jim will be going to Exeter and I would have gone with him too but can't impose on his family holiday. Instead I will be meeting with Cain Howley and others to form a 16mm West Wales Local Area Group.
It would be great to meet other Forum members but perhaps another time?

[bazzer42]

It's a fair jaunt to Exeter so I can see why Jim would incorporate a holiday as well, I'll say hello if I see him and claim to be somebody else!

the she above should have read sbr. I have always found the best pictures are those convincing ones with no stock showing. What wood do you use for those fence posts? They have a lovely aged look.

[FWLR]

Your track and plants look brilliant Peter, just hope one day to get some where near to your standards. Just a tiny weany bit jealous