Ferns are fabulous and fascinating. In damp, shaded areas where few other plants will thrive, their foliage is a real mood enhancer. At the edge of ponds or along stream sides they are perfect. In woodland settings, the simple, elegant symmetry of their fronds looks just right in the dappled shade of this time of year. There are also ferns suited to drier locations.
The Shuttlecock or Ostrich fern (Mattueccia struthiopteris) is a great starting point. Like many ferns, this is deciduous, dying back in autumn (often with beautiful colour effects) only to re-emerge with erect, curled fronds in spring. The Shuttlecock fern produces erect arrangements of fronds that resemble a Badminton shuttlecock and reach a height of approximately 1.7m and a spread of approximately 1m. This plant spreads by rhizomes and will establish separate plants 10 or 20cm away from the original parent. This fern is able to thrive in a variety of situations, from shade to a waterside location or a damp border.
The Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) produces long-stalked fronds that arise from the ground individually. It is sensitive mainly to excessive sunlight, so be sure to plant it under the protection of trees, whether in a woodland garden or a damp, shady border. Fronds of this fern are about 60cm, but it will spread horizontally, again by rhizomes. The Flowering fern (Osmunda regalis) is another damp and shade lover. Growing to 2m in height, this one has a number of interesting features to look out for: tips of fronds are rounded, in summer some fronds (the partially fertile ones) have tasselled tips which are covered by brown, spore-bearing structures (sporangia). The fronds also turn yellow or golden brown in autumn. For each of these ferns, neutral to acid, humus rich soils are ideal. Each of these mentioned is fully hardy.
Not all ferns need damp and shade. The Holly fern or Shield fern (Polystichum) prefers drier conditions and is a great choice if your soil is very well drained. It still likes the shade. This is an evergreen and crowns of the plant will benefit from protection from excessive wet in winter. The Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) is a real beauty with its soft, evergreen fronds and is a great choice for a fernery or rock garden. Height and spread in this case are approximately 1.2m and 90cm respectively.
Ferns are an ancient form of plant life that has evolved only gradually over the millennia. Still reproducing by spores rather than seeds, it is not too difficult to believe that ferns are a hangover from the days of the dinosaurs. Justly popular among gardeners, a wide selection is available, each offering different effects. Why not make it a summer project for your family to find out about ferns and plant a mini fernery somewhere in your garden?
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