Ferns in many shapes and sizes

Ferns

Ferns come in many different varieties. Some stay green and some die in the winter, but grow back during spring. Due to many different leaf shapes, colours and heights, ferns are widely applicable in gardens. Ferns grow best in well-drained soil with (semi-)shade and not too much wind. Too strong and too much sunlight can scorch the thin fern leafs, this combined with strong wind, can lead into burning them. An exception is for example the oak fern, which can endure a sunny environment with dry and poor soil. Once placed in the right spot, ferns create a beautiful effect, due to their large curly, wavy or pinnate leaves.

Despite the fact that ferns do not have flowers, they are still a good choice for the basics in a perennial border. Ferns do best in tricky shady corners, and because of that, they form a base with their green appearance. Add flowering plants as an expansion of the base. Ferns form the indispensable base in a shady garden.