Ferns in the woodland garden. Pictures of Dicksonia

Ferns in the woodland garden.

This was originally a very narrow pathway at the side of the house. The concrete path was removed, and large pebbles and bolders were placed to make a dry 'riverbed pathway'. The light levels are quite low, and we decided to grow ferns and plants that enjoy shaded,damp conditions.Hostas are thriving in this area with the ferns,and we have planted shade - loving spring bulbs and Hellebores in the area above which is now the woodland garden.
Several ferns are delicate and require winter protection.There is also a large tree fern (Dicksonia antartica.)
Halogen spotlights and a floodlight create dramatic shadows at night,and the luscious green foliage of the Hostas and ferns make this a magical and mysterious aspect of the garden.

Photo 8 of 30

Grenville

[5]

By Grenville

Uploaded on 21 Mar, 2008

Featured on: Tree ferns

Comments on this photo

Spritzhenry

21 Mar, 2008

What ferns would you recommend that are evergreen for my 'boring' corner, please Grenville? I'd like to place some interesting shapes together and possibly contrasting colours - is that possible?

Grenville

21 Mar, 2008

I am growing the following ferns;
Harts tongue -Asplenium scolopendium
Japanese fern-Many varieties are available.
Hard shield fern -polystichum aculeautum
Tree fern -Dicksonia antartica (Not hardy needs -winter protection, but superb for an exotic area.)
Male fern- Dryopteris filix mas
Ostrich fern -Matteuccia struthiopteris
Dryopteris erythrosora (Bronze foliage)
Fishbone water fern- Blechnum nudum (From Australia -Not hardy needs winter protection.)
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You might consider planting some ferns in hollow tree stumps that are filled with rich compost to create a Victorian style 'stumpery.'
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Go on line and visit 'Fernatix' at: www.fernatix.co.uk
They are specialist growers and suppliers of ferns from all over the world , and have a mail order service.They have a huge range of ferns for sale ranging from hardy to delicate.
I hope this helps, and good luck with creating your fernery.
Best wishes,
Grenville.

Buzzbee

21 Mar, 2008

This area looks and sounds a bit special - my wife and were bowled over by 'Fernatix' when we saw them on television a few years ago - we only have a Dryopteris wallichiana, another unknown Dryopteris and Asplenium scolopendrium, but it is an area we would like to develop - they are fascinating plants.

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