Two Common Mosses

Bryum capillare on a wall in Bourne Way, Hayes.  9 February 2013.

Early spring is a good season to observe mosses and lichens.  Here are two which are common and widespread, growing on garden walls in my neighbourood.

It's useful for anyone interested in mosses to catch them when they are fruiting, as many are in this season.  It's not easy to catch a good photo because of the limited depth of field in macro closeups, so that often only a few of the leaves and capsules are sharp and well-defined.  But that is where brick walls can be useful; some of the mosses grow on the mortar between the bricks, and are lined up in neat rows.  

Grimmia pulvinata on a wall in Lennard Avenue, Hayes. 9 February 2013.

Of course, others don't do that, but instead grow in cushions on top of the bricks.