I would like to grow moss in selected areas where I will provide the "soil" substitute.  An artificial medium fixed in a "solid" configuration so I can grow moss vertically.  Think a sheet of plywood type of solid medium, but not made of plywood.  It would be made of the compounds required to support moss growth and covered with moss starters.  To this end I want to create a growth medium that will provide all the nutrients necessary from the "soil" and understand the "soil" requirements for storage of the moss "waist" through their roots.  Can you give me a "list of ingredients" to build the board out of?  Also, can you suggest specific strains of moss for different local environments (wet, dry, hot, cold, etc.)?

I have a white pine that is dying. It is about 7 or 8 feet tall and I planted it as a seedling about 7 years ago. The needles began wilting severely last October or November and are now turning brown. It appears to me as though water is not rising through the tree. I cannot identify any blight or fungus and the symptoms make it appear as though it has an infestation of nematodes. (This is what happens when a layman has access to Google!)

I can bring in a sample limb if that would help and provide pictures as well. 

Thank you for your response and your help.

Mark Brooks

PS: It has declined appreciable since these pictures were taken a month or so ago.