More than likely what comes off that tree is Lichens and not moss, although both are first stage plants Ma Nature grows to add organic matter to soil so higher order plants can grow in that soil. Lichens grow on trees where dust from the air accumulates in the bark and traps just enough moisture for those plants to grow. What is knocked off by the birds can be left where it falls, mixed into the soil, or picked up and composted.

I think your answer is pretty simple and you recognized it right off the bat :-) It IS a nitrogen deficiency and it is caused by the mulch. Wood-based mulches, and especially those that are quite fine, tie up nitrogen availablity at the soil surface, or if incorporated even accidentally into the soil, further down into the soil level. This is seldom a concern with larger woody or perennial plants but can be a real issue with annuals or shallowly rooted veggies. Change the mulch or supplement with a high nitrogen fertilizer to offset. Since nitrogen is extremely mobile in the soil, you may need to do this repeatedly during the growing season. A couple of other issues: compost is compost :-) Once it is fully composted, it doesn't make any difference what the raw ingredients were or how wide the variety, the nutrient analysis will be very similar. Leaf mold or just composted leaves is a very desirable (and expensive to purchase) soil amendment and has an NPK analysis very similar to that of a mixed ingredient compost. And finished or aged compost of any kind will have a pH of near neutral. Contrary to common belief, evidence has shown that wood mulches don't have any significant impact on soil pH either...perhaps a slight lowering at the soil surface again but not much more. And the vast majority of plants, including most veggies, will prefer a slightly to moderately acidic soil. I would agree on the soil test, however. Over the course of attempting to 'fix' your soil, you might have gotten things a bit out of whack and it is always a good idea to have a base or starting point you know from which to work in any necessary amendments.

Val and nat4b. Thank you for looking and commenting on my photos. That pink at the front of the Emmerich bed is Count It All Joy. Even though Karol Emmerich is a northern hybridizer, her introductions always do beautifully here in the deep south. At this point, I water with sprinklers, but I plan to introduce emitters and try that, at least in one area. I had an old sprinkler shaped like a rabbit that worked well for watering a designated area, but it has sprung such a leak as to render it useless. I have a new sprinkler that I used for the first time yesterday, but DH set it out, and we have different goals in watering. I will let you know how it works when I set it up in the back bed which I plan to do tomorrow. kay

Thank you all for your responses. Hi BeverlyFladeziner - The bed I was honing in on I first saw on Houzz sold by Hillsdale Furniture but posters "Beth H" and "Kulrn" (thank you both) and linked it above. It's nice enough and I started thinking black is what I want, hence, that bed. My term for "low profile footboard" might be incorrect - but would be as depicted in the link above for the particular bed "Carlyle" by Hillsdale. Thanks Patricia as to the dark not showing wear from touching - I just wasn't sure. I just thought it might reflect wear less since I've had lighter to mid-toned fabrics on furniture pieces (sofas, etc.), yet the headboard I imagine is not going to get the same kind of wear, such as armrests or sitting on cushions. I'm still searching since I would prefer to see the bed in person yet there are only so many furniture stores which limits offerings, especially black velvet. I've seen some nice light neutrals in stores, and only found one I liked enough. I have been reading reviews, but there's that chance everyone's expectations differ, but I may take the risk of ordering online. The bed I would very much like would have a tufted velvet headboard and its shape has curves rather than straight lines and a footboard. Just don't want a rickety piece nor metal frame. I appreciate your responses and will be taking your advice and mulling it all over. I much prefer when I find something and know "it's" the one!