CHAPTER XIV 

 THE CULTURE OF FERNS 



IT goes without saying that Ferns of all kinds 

 are interesting plants to grow in the garden 

 and house. A few suggestions as to the culture 

 of the various species described has been 

 appended in each case, but one or two general 

 remarks may not be out of place. First of 

 all, it is desired to correct the popular im- 

 pression that Ferns are happiest in very wet 

 situations ; true, these plants like plenty of mois- 

 ture, but only one or two of the British species 

 are ever found actually growing with their roots 

 in water. On this account, great care should be 

 taken to provide well-drained positions. The 

 best kind of rockery should not be solid earth 

 all through, and the plants will grow much better 

 if there is a core of heaped stones covered with 

 a deep layer of soil. Of course, shade is very 

 desirable, and hardly any Ferns, even those kinds 

 which grow on walls, are seen at their best in 

 very sunny positions. Happily in most gardens 

 it is possible to find a border with a northern 

 aspect on which it is not easy to grow flowering 

 plants with much success ; in such a position 

 Ferns will find a home that will suit them 

 admirably. 



Of course it is only the hardiest Ferns which 

 can be expected to grow well in the town garden. 

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