CHAPTER VI. 
A FERN GARDEN. 
In all the circumstances under which Ferns are grown, there 
are perhaps none more interesting than their culture in the 
open garden, without covering of any kind, and exposed, as 
they are in their native wilds, to the free play of the elements ; 
for it is when growing under such circumstances that the 
best opportunities are afforded for that loving study of Nature 
which is so essential to ensure success in the culture of these 
charming plants. 
Let us first say that by a Fern garden is meant not a 
flower garden into which ferns are merely introduced as 
visitors, but a garden solely devoted to the flowerless inha- 
bitants of the woods. In the succeeding chapter we shall 
consider how Ferns can best be grown as adjuncts to the 
flower garden, and so disposed as to fill up shady corners, and 
form a delightful contrast, by their brilliant shades of green, 
to the gayer inhabitants of the flower world. 
A Fern garden, however, in the sense here intended, must 
be, whether large or small — for the size will depend upon 
the means or opportunities of the cultivator — -just a bit of 
Fern land imported into home or town surroundings, as a 
reminiscence of the country. If the ground to be transformed 
into such a garden be naturally uneven in its surface, it may 
not be difficult to adapt it without extensive alteration to 
the requirements of the new inhabitants to be introduced. 
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