Hardy Ferns 
39 
Hardy Ferns 
The greater portion of the Ferns of the world grow in the warmer countries. 'The number of species 
decrease as we go north. Only 40 to 50 of the 2,500 said to have been discovered in the world are suited 
to outdoor culture in ordinary soils and situations. But with this comparative few, which are quite hardy 
so far as cold weather is concerned, we have enough to make a very good showing. Ferns as a rule do well 
in shade, and for filling places where grass and other things can’t be grown they are invaluable. It is 
necessary to give them a good, dark soil, say a mixture of sand, leaf-mold and turf loam, and also to have 
the soil moist about their roots, with perfect drainage. A shady corner under a maple tree, whose roots 
reach every point for a long distance in all directions, would not be a very good place to set h erns — better 
place them in full sun; but this sort of shade is not the only shade to be found around most homes. V\ hen 
leaf-mold is not to be had, a well-decayed peat will take its place, or a fine chip dirt, well decayed, is exc ®|j 
lent. Ferns do well set in spring, but they may be set in midsummer by cutting back the fronds, and will 
so establish themselves before winter as to make a fine showing the following year. 1 he rockery is a very 
proper place for many Ferns. Indeed, it is the only place for some, if we would give them the same soit o 
home that they have when growing wild. They grow stronger and more beautiful yearly. 
I do not advise planting Ferns in autumn. Better plant the last of July than after the first of Septem¬ 
ber. It seems important that with a new root-growth must come a corresponding giow th o lom s, an 
after September 1 not many fronds will come, but anytime before the middle of August -eins wi u 
sized fronds may be taken up, the fronds cut back to the root and set, and if kept watered a new growtn or 
fronds will come, and by winter the Fern is well established. I have set established h erns sue i as la 
been grown a season in the nursery—in autumn and had most of them live. If setting is c one in au umn, 
I advise covering well with leaves and brush. 
ADIANTUM pedatum. Maidenhair Fern. One of the most popular species of hardy sorts. It makes a 
good pot-plant, and is at home in almost any good garden soil where sufficient momture is near, and 
drainage as well. It grows naturally in shade, and also in the sun. I he pic me on puffe ' , 
airy poise of the Fern, and delicate frond texture. N., 15 cts. each, $1.10 pei < oz., ., • . , 
$F40 per doz. 
N . preceding the prices 
indicates not prepaid; P. indicates prepaid 
