Ferns are among the oldest plants on earth.
There are dozens of varieties,
all grown
for their spectacular lacey green
foliage.
They grow primarily in the shade
but will
tolerate some sun, especially
if kept well
watered. Some types of ferns
can grow to
5 feet; most reach 2 to 3 feet.
They spread
easily to form beautiful clumps
of plants
whose fronds sway in the wind.
Ferns can
also make wonderful house plants.
The following
should be considered when buying
ferns:
- Make sure the variety will survive the winters
and summers where you live if you want to
grow it outdoors.
- Select the height and spread appropriate
for the site to be planted.
- The plant should have healthy looking green
fronds and vigorous roots.
Plant ferns in a hole about 1 foot wide and
2 feet deep in well drained soil to which
some organic material such as decomposed
leaves or peat moss has been added. Water
well, especially the first season. Once established
they will come back year after year with
very little care. Ferns will turn beautiful
shades of yellow in the fall
and die to the
ground in winter but will reliably
return
in the spring. House plant ferns
can be placed
outside in the summer and should
be brought
indoors fom mid fall until all
danger of
frost is past the next spring. |
