WAKE ROBIN FARM 
fronds form continuously all summer. The root creeps 
and branches in all directions. The Sensitive Fern is a 
lush counterfoil to its more fluffy fern relatives, good 
for grouping with denizens of the wild wet places. 35¢ 
each; $3.50 for 12. 
Spleenwort, Ebony (Asplenium platyneuron). Pert, 
smart, sprightly, this little fern, 4 to 8 inches long, 
with its rigid fertile fronds; and evergreen sterile 
fronds, adds jauntiness to the rock gardens. Adaptable 
to any situation, it chooses, when it may, the vicinity 
of large boulders, and seeks stony or shaly ground, 
however poor, in full sun, in partial or deep shade. 
May be planted in thin layers of dirt on little cliffs 
and rocky outcrops, the upper edges of gravel banks, 
and road berm. On the other hand, it welcomes good 
feeding, strays into shady woods, and luxuriates in 
black leaf mold anywhere, especially if there is a stony 
or shaly admixture. It seems to be a fern of complete 
versatility. The good root system and the soft little 
crowns should be firmly planted at ground level. The 
“Ebony” part of the name applies to the stems of the 
fronds, a dark and glossy brown. 25c each; $2.50 for 
12. 
Spleenwort, Silvery (Athyrium acrostichoides). When the 
wind blows the fronds of this fern, we see the reason 
for its name. The backs of the fertile fronds have a 
silvery sheen. This is caused by the abundance of shin- 
ing white fruit dots, which are really more like dashes, 
along each side of the mid-veins of the pinne. Grows 
to about two feet. Likes any moist, shaded place, and 
is indifferent to acidity. The root is thick, creeping 
horizontally, near the surface, and should not be cov- 
ered with more than an inch of soil. 40c each; $4.00 
for 12. 

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