To get more use from the many bags of preserved moss, I decided to shred the lower stemmy parts into a coarse scatter, and use that to plant around the taller rounded mounds. I practically got carpal tunnel from snip, snip, snip snipping.
The scatter also adds more texture and another level of growth.
This morning I realized I didn’t like the straw-colored moss clumps, and got out watercolors to green them up, like a photosynthesis devi. That was so satisfying I added some darker tones into the other plantings as well.
I let two of the red poppies sprout, but have determined they wouldn’t survive on the windswept roof. I still like them as flowers, though, so into a bucket for the flower stand (or as starts for planting) they will go.
nancyland.com 
So intricate! I’m curious, is your real life garden as stylized?
The rooftop poppies look a bit forlorn on their own. :(
Hmm, Barbara. I just moved into this house a year ago, and am taking my time to get to know this new stretch of coastal micro-climate, and of course our 4-year drought changes everything… but. Short answer? Probably yes :)
I favor succulents, natives and rocks. And no fuss or high maintenance. And a working kitchen garden, at least of herbs. I’ll post links to what I have done.
Fear not for the CA rooftop poppies. I just need to make several hundred more of them :)
This looks fabulous. Question: Is the mossy roof fragile? I imagine it shedding like a beloved pet.
Christina, thank you! I have used ample glue to secure the moss, so I cannot describe it as fragile or shreddy. Final photos will be outside on the cliffs on a suitably windswept day, so I imagine all stragglers will be dealt with.
I’ve used preserved reindeer moss on my other builds, and provided you incorporate some of its inherent structure into your landscape application, it holds up really well! Just no prolonged direct sunlight. And if that happens, there’s always watercolors.
It looks awesome! How about just a few wild flowers for color instead of the poppies?
Thank you so much Bennie. I’m glad it meets with your approval. I’m rethinking my other flower choices for the living roof. There are some very hardy native coastal perennials here that are managing to adapt to the drought. Stay tuned; my miniature flower making skills will be tested :)