144 



Trip of Juxe 20, 1942, to the Fern Garden of ^NIr. and Mrs. 

 W. Herbert Dole 



The eighty-odd ferns and fern alhes in this garden were tem- 

 porarily marked so that each species could be easily found and 

 identified. Most of the ferns in the garden have been growing here 

 from ten to twenty years and are well established and appear happy 

 in their present positions. A number are of recent introduction and 

 have been tried out for only a year or two. Several southern species 

 were planted only this spring and may prove unsuitable for this 

 latitude. The only way to settle that question seems to be to try 

 growing them. 



]\Iy ferns all came through the winter in good condition, though 

 some species are always slow to start growth in the spring. Ferns 

 are more liable to damage by wind during the winter than by low 

 temperatures, and it has been found advantageous to protect those 

 in exposed locations with small branches anchored with pegs or 

 stones to prevent dislodgment. All are lightly covered with dry 

 leaves, except of course the larger local ferns which require little 

 attention. 



The Clieilantlics laiiosa on the limestone ledge in an exposed 

 position in full sun most of the day is still in fine condition and 

 shows considerable increase. From one small clump planted about 

 ten years ago there are now five clumps each larger than the original, 

 notwithstanding that a number of these ferns have been given to 

 other fern gardens. IVoodsia ihcnsis, also on the limestone in part 

 shade, after six or seven years is still in a very thrifty condition. 

 The Polystichums, set out in 1940 and given no special winter pro- 

 tection, are still doing well. These include P. andersoni, P. 

 plumosmn coinpactiim, P. aciileafitni plumosuin ( ?) and P. vivi- 

 paniin (said to be a A\'est Indian fern). P. londiitis, set out sev- 

 eral years ago, survived several winters then disappeared. 



The Florida shield fern (Dryopteris litdoviciana) appears to be 

 hardy here. It has gone through three winters and shows increase 

 by offsets. Dryopteris celsa and D. clii)ieiisis set out a year ago are 

 growing nicely. The latter fern is especially attractive with its finely 

 cut lacy fronds. Several specimens of Scott's spleenwort (Alabama 

 type) set out last year have developed new fronds and appear in 

 good condition. The same is true oi Asplcniuin piiuiatifiditm planted 



