Ferns are a very ancient family of plants: early fern fossils predate the beginning of the Mesozoic era, 360 million years ago. They are older than land animals and far older than the dinosaurs. They were thriving on Earth for two hundred million years before the flowering plants evolved.
Ferns add a delicate touch to the landscape. Ferns used in shaded areas, around trees, and small garden pools. Ferns die back in the winter but keep coming back year after year.
Any urban landscape that contains deep shade can be improved with the planting of ferns. Ferns will grow regardless of the light requirements as long as the garden soil is rich in compost, deep, and moist. Ferns do not need much fertilizer and require very little maintenance. They are excellent companions to most shade tolerant annuals and perennials and are often used to provide contrasting texture and color. Most of the ferns spread slowly and will eventually become a ground cover of lacy fronds that are beautiful throughout the four seasons of the garden landscape. Ferns are finally becoming recognized by the nursery trade and increasing in popularity by gardeners.
Some ferns have edible fiddleheads while others can grace a floral arrangement. Some have spectacular autumn color while others are evergreen and still others provide a nice cool green throughout the summer. Ferns can be used as focal points or accent plants as well as background and ground cover plants. Some do well in dry sites while others look best beside a babbling brook.
