GardensFerns aren't just for dank shadeWe usually plant ferns in those dark, forgotten pockets of the garden, where they sit with a kind of gothic stature. These are plants that traditionally carpet woodland and brim from the shady mouths of grottoes. But, as one new garden shows, they also have a brighter side.
In the new fern dell at Brodsworth Hall gardens, in South Yorkshire, 150 species of fern blaze green in the sun. "Our ferns grow well in this open sunny spot," says Dan Booth, head gardener at Brodsworth. "We have species from most of the fern genera, and the majority are proving to be quite happy in the sun."
The Brodsworth fernery is an open site in full sun, against the wall of a large quarry. Built in 1867, it has recently been restored. "The original fern dell was in shade," says Booth, "but the big copper beech that provided the shade was felled, so we had to plant in sun."
Even woodland ferns normally associated with shade, such as Woodwardia and Matteuccia, grow contentedly. Brodsworth showcases its ferns in a new way, alongside flowering plants such as alliums and foxtail lilies, and large shrubs with architectural foliage, such as hardy gingers and agaves, to create a contemporary garden.
During hot, dry spells, the dell is watered heavily once a week, and the tree ferns are given a drink every other day. Although ferns are associated with damp, most of them need well-drained soil. They are also thought of as acidic plants, but Brodsworth is built on magnesium limestone. "Some thrive in alkaline conditions, like ours," says Booth.
The best time to plant ferns is September, ideally the first half of the month, so they can settle in before the frosts hit. There are many advantages to putting them in the garden. A lot of species are evergreen and the ginger-brown skeletons of the rest look great in autumn. Plus they're low maintenance: all you need do in early spring is snip off the old fronds and mulch with leaf mould or bark.
Top ferns for sun
King fern (Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'); 1-1.2m. Unfurls golden-green in spring. Semi-evergreen. Tolerant of most conditions.
'Revolvens' (D. affinis). Old Victorian cultivar. Curling fronds grow to 60cm.
'Barnesii' (D. filix-mas); 1-1.2m. Extremely tough and easy to grow.
Copper shield fern (D. erythrosora); 60cm. Striking shade of bronze in spring.
Shuttlecock fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris); 1-1.5m. Shuttlecock shape; prefers acid, moist soil.
Lip fern (Cheilanthes tomentosa); 30cm. Grey-green with woolly fronds. Needs good drainage.
'Cambricum' (Polypodium); 25-50cm. Neutral to alkaline soil.
Divisilobum group (Polystichum setiferum); 50-70cm. Evergreen with dense fronds. For neutral to alkaline soils.
Tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica); 3-5m. Mild, sheltered spot; trunk must be kept moist.
Where to buy
The Fern Nursery, Lincolnshire.
World of Ferns, Gwynedd.
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