4 
FERNDALE NURSERY—ASKOV, MNINESOTA, 1938 
Hardy Ferns in Foundation Planting 
Of all the many plant types suitable for beautifying the home surround¬ 
ings, there are none of greater usefulness than the Hardy Ferns. 
For foundation plantings in deep shade where so few plants will thrive, 
the hardy ferns are right at home. Some of them are less partial to sun or 
shade and will thrive without either. Some varieties are ideally suitable for 
borders while other prefer a cool shaded hillside. Some prefer dry feet 
and others are not averse to growing along stream where they are occasion¬ 
ally subjected to being flooded. The Rusty woodsia establishes itself on 
bare rocky cliffs in full sun while the woodsia obtusa takes possession of 
the rocky cliff in full shade, and the Polypodium often grows in dense 
blankets on the top of bare rocks; but try them for yourself. There are 
thrills galore for the garden explorer with hardy ferns and wild flowers. 
Cultural Directions 
These hardy outdoor Ferns do not make satisfactory house plants; they 
will do best in shade or half shady spots in the garden and mixed in between 
shrubs in foundation planting on the east and north sides of buildings. Some 
of these, like the Osmunda Claytoniana, Lady and Sensitive Ferns and Ostrich 
Fern, will do reasonably well in considerable direct sunlight, but will fade 
earlier than when planted in shade or half shade. They do best in light soil 
containing much vegetable matter or humus and covered with rotting wood 
shavings, peat or straw, which keep them from sprouting too early in the 
spring, preventing a late night frost from killing the young fronds. 
Hardy Ferns should be planted when dormant any time between Sept. 
1st and July 1st. They prefer a settled foundation and cold feet. If late 
spring planting is followed by a dry, hot summer, the fronds are likely to 
dry up in the middle of the summer the first season. 
