HARDY FERNS. 



09 



where are they more fully appreciated, affording as they do such a welcome contrast 

 to, and change from, the more glaring beds and borders. Most hardy ferns like partial 

 shade, and no better plants can bo found for growing in nooks and dells screened from 

 the sun, and they also afford elegant fringes to water courses. 



If rockwork is designed on a large scale, it will be suitable for ferns in the more 

 shaded parts, and these will form a pleasing foil to the flowers in sunny positions. 

 There is, however, no necessity to construct elaborate rockwork solely with a view to 

 growing ferns. If they succeed in such positions they quickly hide the stones. Too 

 much thought is often given to the appearance of rockwork, and not enough to the 

 future welfare of the plants that are to occupy what little room is provided for them, 

 and it is painful to see so many suffering from heat above and drought below. A semi- 

 shaded position in a rock-garden (see page 92) suits ferns admirably. Due regard ought 

 also to be paid to the requirements of the different kinds. Those that thrive in special 

 mixtures ought to have them, and care should be taken to guard against choice species 

 of neat growth being overgrown by those of a bolder habit. Some idea of what the 

 different kinds require will be gathered from the brief descriptions appended of the most 

 popular hardy ferns. 



Before giving these, reference ought to be made to the manner in which some 

 species adapt themselves to appropriate positions. In most districts ferns can be seen 

 growing healthily on walls and natural rocks, with nothing to root in but the small 

 quantity of soil in the crevices. When, therefore, walls of loose stone are formed, 

 layers of soil between the stones would support a few ferns, if these were planted when 

 in a small state early in the spring, taking care not to bury the hearts. For shady 

 places the parsley fern (Allosorus crispus), the wall rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), the 

 black spleenwort (Aspleninm adiantum nigrum), maiden-hair spleenwort (Asplenium 

 trichomanes), and the hard fern (Blechnum spicant ) are recommended ; while for the 

 more sunny aspects the scale fern (Ceterach otficinarum), the common scolopendrium 

 (S. vulgare), the common polypody (P. vulgare), and Nothochlsena marantse are 

 suitable. 



Then there are kinds that succeed admirably in moist, well-drained positions, to be 

 referred to in the chapter on Water Scenes ; but mention must here be made of the 

 native filmy ferns. These are Hymenophyllum unilaterale or Wilsoni, Hymenophyllum 

 tunbridgensis, and th'e Killarney fern (Trichomanes radicans). They are perfectly 

 hardy, but will not thrive where there is either little moisture in the atmosphere, or if 



