Ferns

Ferns make a great addition to any shade garden. There are so many to choose from. Many different shapes , sizes and colors.

These shade loving plants thrive in rich, moist, humus soil with an acid PH. Ideally 1 part soil, 1 part clean sand and 2 parts peat moss. Adding compost mulch twice a year will keep the roots cool and moist in the Summer and protect the rhizomes from freezing and thawing in the Winter. Mulching will also help keep the soil PH near an ideal reading.

There are different growing habits to consider. Some will stay in clumps, while others tend to spread. Choose the correct one.

These will spread.
• New York
• Hay Scented
• March
• Bracken

If you want to naturalize an area these would be your best bet.

A few clumping types would be:
• Cinnamon
• Japanese Painted
• Lady
• Maidenhair
• Ostrich
• Royal
• Regal

Most generally will grow 6 to 36 inches tall, even taller if you would like. A great addition to an area gardening in shade.

Japanese Painted Fern - $19.95 The ‘Japanese Painted Fern’, Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum', is a low maintance, deciduous fern with soft grayish-green and silvery dark maroon foliage. Being the Perennial of the Year for 2004, one can see why. ‘Japanese Painted Fern’ has a plant spread of 24” and a height of 24” and a must to any garden. ‘Japanese Painted Fern’ requires full shade, however, small amounts of afternoon sun give the most vibrant color to its foliage. A well-drained area is best, not allowing it to dry out. Perfect as a border plant, planted near streams or ponds or as an accent plant. It will contrast well with Hosta ‘Patriot’ or Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’. Best of all, the Japanese Painted Fern can help with erosion control, while presenting minimal wind resistance.