Paul James, host of HGTV's Gardening by the Yard, explains why he's fond of ferns: Ferns are one of the most interesting, versatile and beautiful plant groups in existence today. Among the oldest known plants on the planet, ferns grew in the age of the dinosaur. The dinosaurs disappeared, but the ferns survived. Because ferns lack flowers and seeds, they reproduce through spores. Found in abundance on the forest floor, ferns prosper in a soil rich with organic matter produced by decaying leaves and where a canopy of trees provides the necessary shade. When planting ferns, try to duplicate those conditions, and place plants in a soil amended with large amounts of shredded leaves. Throughout most of the year, the forest floor is evenly moist, so make sure to water ferns regularly. In nearly all areas of the country, hardy ferns behave as dependably as perennials. Most are reasonably priced, selling for $2 to $3 for a 4" potted plant and $8 to $10 for a 1-gallon container. Several dozen hardy ferns are probably appropriate for your growing area, and the best selections usually arrive in nurseries in the spring. Common Ferns Shield fern (figure A)--Rugged and popular, the shield fern has coarse leaves that grow to about 18" and often remain green even in severe northern winters.
Autumn fern--Its new growth is bronze, then turns green. Korean rock fern (figure B)--This fern grows more than 12" tall and does well in both terrariums and gardens.
Wood fern (figure C)--Many varieties are available, including the Tennessee border fern; all tend to have soft, wispy foliage.
Cinnamon fern (figure D)--This fern reaches a height of about 3'. Use plant stakes for support.
Japanese painted fern (figure E)--This beauty grows to about 12" in height and 8" across. Its silvery leaves are a welcome departure from the more familiar green, and its reddish stems contrast beautifully with the silver fronds.
Maidenhair fern (figure F)--Not all of these dainty ferns are hardy: ask the nurserymen before you buy.
Ostrich, royal and staghorn ferns--Each of these ferns can grow to 3' or more in height; staghorn is the largest. Planting Ferns Although ferns may be planted in groups, it's preferable to place individual plants in bare spots, such as under trees. Select a shady spot in the garden. Prepare a deep planting hole and fill it with plenty of compost or shredded leaves. Carefully remove the fern from the pot, and place it in the hole. Set the plant in the ground, and firm the soil around it.
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