Gardening in California 



CHAPTER XL. 



FERNS. 



IN the formation of a Fernery, a location partially shaded 

 and yet not exposed to draughts or harsh winds should be 

 selected. 



A situation facing East or a Northerly slope suits the great 

 majority of hardy Ferns, and, as they are generally found as 

 undergrowth in woods or rocky ledges, on the banks of streams 

 or creeks, or in shady spots in marshy ground, these conditions 

 should be imitated as closely as possible, a rocky dell shaded with 

 deciduous trees being an ideal spot in which to establish a 

 Fernery. 



Of course many of the hardier, stronger growers do fairly 

 well under practically any tree or in partial shade of almost 

 any kind, but a situation, such as has been described, will be 

 found from results to be very much the best. 



The decision as to the selection of the site may be influenced 

 by whether the intention is to plant the Ferns on the ordinary 

 ground level or to have a Rock Fernery. 



If the Ferns are to be planted without introducing rocks or 

 stumps, all that is necessary is to see that the soil is of the proper 

 character. It should be light, rich and porous, so that water will 

 pass through it freely. If the natural soil is heavy loam or of 

 a clayey nature, it should either be removed to the depth of one 

 foot, and a foot of light soil filled in, or the foot of light soil 

 should be spread over the surface of the original ground. 



The very best soil for growing Ferns is composed of one- 

 quarter peat, one-quarter sandy loam, one-quarter sharp sand 

 and one-quarter leaf-mold, all having been thoroughly mixed 

 together a month before being used. 



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