FERNS IN THE MIXED BORDER 31 



and contrasting foliage. It is unmanageable 

 in cultivation, as the underground rootstocks 

 branch freely in all directions, sending up 

 fronds without the delay of growing a caudex. 

 Colour and veining are fine, indeed the chief 

 beauty of the fern is its elaborate reticulation 

 over the smooth green surface. The fronds 

 vary from six inches to three feet in height. 

 In a mixed border they are a marked feature 

 and are excellent for an independent corner. 



THE SHIELD FERN FAMILY 



The marginal shield fern (Dryopteris mar- 

 ginalis) is the most valuable of all the wood 

 ferns. Graceful outline, blue-green colour 

 and rich texture characterise the species. 

 It readily adapts itself to whatever situation 

 is offered, and there is never a period of shab- 

 biness until the round year is full and new 

 life stirs within the old. It is easily recog- 

 nized by the spores bome along the margin of 

 the frond (see Plate 4). 



A new and valuable acquisition for cultural 



