The mat, containing 70 pieces of ball, island and forest moss, is kept alive by the water that drips from the user's body. It feels soft underfoot and does not smell when it gets damp. Nguyen La Chanh, from Switzerland, says the mat is very relaxing and needs little care.

She said: "The idea was to find a new way of having your plants inside. Not only plants in pots quietly standing in the corner of a living room but alive plants, evolving in the house. I think this mat would appeal people who miss a corner of nature in their apartment - perhaps if they live in an urban environment, far from parks and nature areas. It's relaxing, feels lovely and soft under the feet and doesn't need much care."

Miss Nguyen is looking for financial backing so she can mass produce the mat as the prototype cost her £220 to make.

Sounds like she needs to get in touch with John Innes.

There were problems if you spilt too much water...

The original was here